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Lula’s flagship investment plan struggles for visibility Politics valorinternational.txt
Sid?nio Palmeira — Foto: Brenno Carvalho/Agência O Globo With a budget of R$1.7 trillion,jogo de puxar grau Brazil’s New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC) has become a source of concern within President Lula’s administration. According to an internal government survey, fewer than half of Brazilians—just 40%—are aware of the program’s initiatives. The figure raised a red flag for the Planalto Palace, which, with an eye on the 2026 presidential elections, is pressing for stronger communication and promotion of its flagship development plan. The request was made during a cabinet alignment meeting about ten days ago. The session, organized by Communications Minister Sid?nio Palmeira, also unveiled the administration’s new slogan: “Government of Brazil on the side of the Brazilian people.” The goal was to strengthen institutional coordination and boost the government’s image ahead of the election. The meeting presented data on public perceptions of key federal programs, based on an internal survey conducted in late August. The results, obtained by Valor, show that housing program Minha Casa, Minha Vida is the most recognized social policy in the country, known by 84% of respondents. Next came Pé-de-Meia (81%) and Farmácia Popular (80%). The Novo PAC ranked only 19th, with 40% awareness. The survey concluded that while social policies are well known, communication is lacking around the purpose and impact of broader initiatives such as the PAC. This low level of recognition runs counter to government efforts to improve its image and highlight policy achievements as the election cycle approaches. Launched in August 2023, the Novo PAC is the third iteration of the program first created during President Lula’s second term and expanded under President Dilma Rousseff. In President Lula’s current administration, it carries added weight to boost completion rates: fewer than 10% of projects were finished under the first version (2007–2010), and just over 25% under the second (from 2010 onward). Because of this record, the program has faced criticism for the gap between massive investment and modest results. At the cabinet meeting, this issue was also raised. Ministers were urged to publicize PAC projects more actively, particularly on social media, to “strengthen” the program’s image. The push comes amid broader difficulties in getting projects off the ground. According to the Chief of Staff’s office, the Novo PAC encompasses 22,306 projects, of which 10,845 (48.6%) are still in “preparatory” or “bidding” stages, meaning construction has not yet begun. Projects are divided into four categories: “preparatory,” “bidding,” “execution,” and “completed.” Of the total, 6,932 (31.1%) are preparatory, involving contracting, studies, engineering, or environmental licensing. Another 3,913 (17.5%) are in bidding. Just 5,292 (23.7%) are underway, while 6,169 (27.7%) have been completed. Defending the record, the Chief of Staff’s office said the government is committed to expanding the program: “The scale of resources being injected demonstrates this administration’s commitment to resuming, continuing, and expanding projects.” The office also said that the figures exclude initiatives such as Minha Casa, Minha Vida, which has contracted 1.7 million housing units, of which 1.38 million have already been delivered. The government argues that the Novo PAC promotes development and social inclusion, pointing to record employment and income levels as indirect evidence of its impact. To reinforce the program in the electoral cycle, the administration submitted its 2026 budget bill in late August, allocating R$52.9 billion for the Novo PAC, a 6.4% increase from the R$49.7 billion set aside for 2025. The appeal for stronger messaging also reflects President Lula’s own demands. At the last ministerial meeting on Aug. 26, he urged ministers to accelerate delivery of existing promises: “I don’t want new program launches,” he said, “but fulfillment and acceleration of the commitments already made.” This article was translated from Valor Econ?mico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.
