Brazil to shorten workweek in win for Lula ahead of runoff

Key Points:

• Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the working week from six to five days without a salary cut, benefiting over 37 million workers and likely aiding President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff.
• Lula plans to sign the "6x1" reform into law next week, framing it as a victory for workers that allows more time for rest, family, and personal well-being, although it excludes many in the informal economy such as freelancers and delivery drivers.
• Flavio Bolsonaro, initially opposed to the bill, reversed his stance to support the reform due to its widespread popularity, despite prior criticism that it was politically motivated and concerns from businesses about increased costs.
• Lula has recently introduced other measures to bolster support before the runoff, including fuel tax cuts, extending subsidies, and pledging to forgive debts of over 3.6 million small businesses to federal and other creditors.
• The presidential campaign remains focused on issues like street crime, the influence of Evangelical churches, high business taxes, and economic dissatisfaction, with Bolsonaro leading the first round with 47% of the vote but falling short of an outright majority.