Bolsonaro promises free internet, phones to women voters

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential hopeful, has unveiled a new campaign initiative aimed at wooing female voters, a demographic where he faces a considerable deficit against rival Lula. The plan, dubbed "Brasil por Elas" (Brazil for Them), promises free internet access, mobile phones, and a suite of services designed to appeal to women.

The announcement came during a live broadcast featuring Daniella Marques, former president of Caixa Econômica Federal under Jair Bolsonaro's administration, who is considered a potential running mate. Polls indicate a significant gap, with Lula leading Bolsonaro by a wider margin among women (52% to 37%) compared to the overall simulated second-round matchup (47% to 43%). Bolsonaro's rejection rate among women stands at 53%, compared to 40% for Lula.

Central to the "Brasil por Elas" plan is the promise of free internet for 70 million women and the potential distribution of free mobile devices to women and the elderly. Bolsonaro emphasized the internet's importance for a proposed "woman's hub" application, which would integrate with the government's Gov.br platform. This hub aims to consolidate services such as job training, income support programs, and microcredit access.

“

Defending women from cowardly scoundrels is a right-wing cause.

The initiative also seeks to address public criticism following an incident involving Michelle Bolsonaro, Flávio's stepmother, who accused him of disrespect. The campaign has also increased the visibility of Flávio's wife, Fernanda, and publicly rejected controversial remarks by influencer Paulo Figueiredo about women's voting habits. Bolsonaro stated his intention to champion women's protection, asserting, "Defending women from cowardly scoundrels is a right-wing cause."

Further components of the plan include an artificial intelligence assistant named MarIA, designed to help women report domestic violence discreetly. The initiative also focuses on financial autonomy, offering guidance, social rent assistance, and microcredit to help women escape abusive situations. Bolsonaro stressed the importance of providing a "way out of the cycle of violence."

“

It has to be a way out of the cycle of violence.