Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro's controversial allowance for the poor

Rio de Janeiro

Between budgetary rigor and electoral benefit, Jair Bolsonaro did not hesitate, even if it meant rocking the markets, worried about the drift in the accounts of the largest economy in Latin America.

Falling in the polls one year before the presidential election, the Brazilian head of state has recourse to old recipes: to distribute public money, even if the coffers are empty.

At issue: an allowance of 400 reais (60 euros) per month to more than 17 million poor families.

It is due from November, but only until December 2022, coinciding with the end of Jair Bolsonaro's term.

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Markets, analysts and the opposition denounced an electoral and populist measure.

Several members of the team close to the Minister of the Economy, Paulo Guedes, slammed the door.

This announcement, last week, caused great turbulence: the main index of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange fell more than 7% on the week and the dollar climbed by

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