- Ibope poll shows Bolsonaro at 59%, Haddad 41% of valid votes. The latest poll by the Public Opinion Research Institute (Ibope) shows hard-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro far ahead in the October 28 run-off election against leftist Fernando Haddad. Bolsonaro scored 59% of valid votes against just 41% for Haddad. Even Haddad admitted in an interview that victory for him and his Workers’ Party (PT) is now looking “difficult.” (see more)
- Bolsonaro team prepares sweeping tax, budget reforms. Economic advisors to hard-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro are working on sweeping tax and budget reforms. Proposals include bundling of several federal taxes into a single national value-added tax. The team is also proposing an end to constitutionally mandated spending programs and transfer payments. Such payments, combined with government payroll, tie up an estimated 92% of the federal budget. (see more)
- Top presidential aide Marun declares support for Bolsonaro. Carlos Marun, President Michel Temer’s Cabinet Secretary, declared his support for hard-right presidential front-runner Jair Bolsonaro at a press conference. Marun said Bolsonaro’s platform is similar to policies being pursued by Temer. (see more)