THE Lula Administration’s “My House, My Life” program aims to subsidize over 2 million housing units by 2026.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil has called for the transformation of unoccupied government-owned buildings into social housing for the country’s impoverished population.
During his previous tenure as president from 2003 to 2011, Lula initiated the “My House, My Life” housing subsidy program, which has now been expanded under his current administration.
The program experienced stagnation during the presidency of right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2023.
The recent improvements to the “My House, My Life” program include provisions that make it more accessible for the middle class and a reduction in interest rates for borrowers participating in the program.
President Lula has set an ambitious target of subsidizing ‘more than 2 million housing units’ by 2026, the final year of his current term.
Drawing attention to the pressing housing needs in Brazil, Lula highlighted estimates indicating a requirement for up to 7 million additional housing units to accommodate the growing population.
He proposed repurposing vacant government-owned buildings and parcels of land to address this issue.
Notably, the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) health insurance and pensions agency possesses around 3,000 unused properties, many of which are situated in major urban areas.
Lula questioned why these properties are not being distributed among the people instead of remaining under the control of the INSS.
In his speech during the bill signing ceremony, the 77-year-old president emphasized his commitment to leaving behind an economically strong and politically respected nation that upholds the principles outlined in Brazil’s constitution.
