Lula says it is necessary to approve the universalization of the nest egg

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) defended the “universalization” of the Pé-de-Meia program and said he will discuss the issue with ministers Fernando Haddad (Finance) and Camilo Santana (Education).

The statements took place this Saturday, 18th, during a meeting with students from the National Network of Popular Courses (CPOP), in São Bernardo do Campo (SP). Lula was also accompanied by ministers Luiz Marinho (Labor) and Paulo Teixeira (Agrarian Development).

“A government that lets a boy or girl drop out of school due to a lack of financial incentive is not a government. It’s a piece of junk. And that’s why we approved Pé-de-Meia, which already serves four million,” he said.

He continued: “I was talking to Haddad. We have six million students in high school. And we will have to discuss it very carefully, with Haddad and with his partner Camilo, because, within the same classroom, there is a student who receives the Nest Egg and another who does not. And sometimes the difference in salary is 50 cents.”

Conflict with financial market

The PT member then said that the proposal will generate conflict with the financial market. “So, we need to approve the universalization of the Nest Egg, so that everyone can have the right to study. It’s difficult. Faria Lima will fight with us”, he stated. On the occasion, Lula said that he “bets” on education as a way to develop the country.

Lula added: “The bankers will complain. Wow, this government is spending R$13 billion on the Nest Egg. It could be here in Faria Lima so we can make more money. And we’re not spending it. We would be spending it if the money were for them. We’re investing.”

CPOP was created by the Ministry of Education to provide financial support for popular and community pre-university courses, focusing on the National High School Examination (Enem). The event was held to announce an investment of R$108 million from the government in a call for support for up to 500 courses in 2026.