Brazil's President Lula Launches 11 Billion Reais Plan to Combat Organized Crime

On May 12, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva officially launched an 11 billion reais (approximately 1.9 billion euros) government plan aimed at combating organized crime. This initiative comes five months before the October presidential election, as Lula faces declining poll numbers and seeks to address public security, a top concern for 47% of voters according to recent Ipsos surveys. The plan, enacted by decree, focuses on financially strangling criminal organizations, enhancing homicide investigations, and improving prison security. Additionally, it provides credit lines for state governors to modernize police equipment. During the ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Lula promised to reclaim territories currently controlled by criminals. The move is seen as a strategic response to criticism that his administration had previously neglected crime fighting, while also countering the narrative of his far-right rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, who has made security a central pillar of his campaign. The announcement underscores the political urgency surrounding public safety issues in Brazil ahead of the upcoming electoral contest.