Lula highlights government actions and defends the end of the 6×1 scale in Christmas message

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted this Wednesday, in a Christmas message, the results of his government to date and once again defended the end of the 6×1 work schedule, one of the themes that has been gaining strength before the 2026 presidential election.

‘The end of the 6×1 scale, without salary reduction, is a demand from the people that it is up to us, representatives of the people, to listen to and transform into reality’, said Lula during a speech on national radio and television.

In April, in another statement, Lula ‌had promised that the government would intensify discussions about the ‌current regime, which determines six consecutive days of work, with the right to one day off, with a maximum limit of 44 hours worked per week. Since then, Lula has spoken out in favor of the change, which has high acceptance rates among the population.

In his speech this Wednesday, the president also highlighted a series of changes promoted during his government in the economic area, such as the expansion of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program to reach the middle class and the end of Income Tax collection for those earning up to R$5,000 per month.

‘For millions of Brazilians, the last day of the year will also be the last day with Income Tax deducted from their salary’, stated Lula. ‘From January, with the end of IR, millions of families will have extra money every month. This will ease the bills, heat up the economy even more and benefit the entire country.’

At another point, he cited the tariff rate adopted by the United States against Brazil, highlighting the government’s commitment to diplomacy to deal with the issue.

As a result of a rapprochement between Lula and US President Donald Trump, the US suspended a series of import taxes on Brazilian beef and agricultural products at the end of November.

Public safety

Another topic that promises to influence debates in the 2026 presidential race, public security was also addressed by Lula in his Christmas message.

‘This year, the Federal Police commanded the largest operation ever carried out against organized crime’, he said in the statement, adding that ‘the fight against criminal factions reached the top floor for the first time’.