Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula's Proposals for the Second Round

With the candidates for the 2026 presidential election's second round now defined, voters and analysts are focusing on the government programs registered with the TSE (Superior Electoral Court). The proposals from Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) present marked contrasts in areas such as economy, security, education, and environment, alongside points of convergence that fuel the national debate.

Economy: Active State versus Private Initiative

Lula advocates for a more active role for the State, with increased investments, a strengthened industrial policy, and progressive taxation that raises the burden on the wealthiest. His program maintains the new fiscal framework to limit the growth of public spending. Flávio, on the other hand, bets on reducing the size of the State, cutting ministries, reviewing the 2023 tax reform, privatizations, and fiscal rules aimed at stabilizing public debt.

Public Security: Financial Combat against Crime versus Harsher Penalties

Lula proposes financial combat against organized crime, expansion of the Unified Public Security System, strengthening of the Federal Police, and stricter arms control. Flávio, in turn, wants to toughen penal laws, classify factions like PCC and Comando Vermelho as narcoterrorist organizations, reduce the age of criminal majority from 18 to 16, create new maximum-security prisons, and implement facial recognition in over a million cameras.

Education: Public Expansion versus Phonics Method and Vouchers

Lula's program prioritizes the expansion of public education, with more daycare centers, full-time schooling, universalization of school connectivity, and expansion of Federal Institutes. Flávio advocates for literacy through the phonics method, civic-military schools, results-based management, educational vouchers when public spots are unavailable, and the inclusion of content on digital economy and artificial intelligence.

Health and Labor: Strengthened SUS versus Greater Private Participation

Lula maintains his commitment to the SUS (Unified Health System), creates a single patient record, expands telemedicine, the "Mais Médicos" (More Doctors) program, and national vaccine production. Flávio proposes integrating public and private networks, digitizing healthcare, and contracting private services to reduce waiting lists. In the labor field, Lula seeks real appreciation of the minimum wage, an end to the 6x1 work schedule, and a reduction of the workweek to 40 hours, while Flávio aims to reduce the cost of formal employment, increase flexibility, and allow direct negotiation of working hours.

Environment and Foreign Policy: Zero Deforestation versus Flexibilization

Lula sets the goal of achieving net zero deforestation by 2030, with the expansion of conservation units, protection of indigenous lands, and combating illegal mining. Flávio proposes zero illegal deforestation by 2029, but advocates for changes in environmental rules to facilitate the exploration of natural resources and does not mention climate change. In foreign policy, Lula wants to deepen Mercosur, strengthen BRICS, and reform international institutions; Flávio seeks to rejoin the OECD, greater trade openness, and closer relations with the USA, Argentina, and Israel.

With information from BBC, G1, Agência Brasil.