Latest news in Brazil? September 17th, 2026

Central Bank Rate Cut: Brazil’s central bank lowered the benchmark Selic interest rate by 25 basis points to 13.75%, marking its fifth consecutive cut amid easing inflation.

2026 General Election Run-Up: With less than three weeks before the October 4 first-round vote, campaign tensions have escalated as incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro remain in a tight race.

Supreme Court Tensions: The Federal Supreme Court (STF) suspended a high-profile session reviewing investigations into Justices Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça after Justice Flávio Dino requested additional time to review the case.

Judicial Rulings: Former President Jair Bolsonaro remains under humanitarian house arrest following a reaffirmation from the Supreme Court due to medical and health considerations.