Lula makes two paid rest days a central runoff issue at São Paulo rally, challenging Flávio Bolsonaro as Brazil’s Senate prepares to vote

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used a rally on São Paulo’s Paulista Avenue on Sunday, October 11, to promote more weekly rest for workers as he campaigns against Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff. Supporters wearing red called for greater attention to workers’ rights; Lula is seeking a fourth term.

Lula challenged Bolsonaro to say whether he supports giving workers more time off or keeping longer working hours. Bolsonaro has described the proposal as “opportunistic.” Brazil’s Senate is scheduled to vote on Wednesday, October 14, on a constitutional amendment that would increase paid weekly rest from one day to two and reduce the maximum workweek from 44 hours to 40.

Lula is trying to close the gap after Bolsonaro finished ahead of him in the October 4 first round. Polls have put Bolsonaro in a favorable position for the runoff. Bolsonaro has also proposed cutting public spending, drawing inspiration from Argentine President Javier Milei’s policies.

The workweek proposal passed Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies in May and is now under consideration in the Senate. The Senate’s vote is scheduled before the October 25 runoff.