At the first ministerial meeting of 2025, held on Monday (20/01), President Lula (PT) reiterated to his ministers what he had previously conveyed privately: the government is focused on the next election and combating the right and the political movement that surrounds his political rival, former president Bolsonaro. Lula issued several directives to his team, emphasizing the need for improved communication. He also shared his intention to remain in good health to potentially run for reelection and remarked that God would ultimately decide his future, a statement that surprised some government members. To bolster his popularity and strengthen the administration, Lula recently appointed Sidônio Palmeira, the marketing strategist behind his 2022 campaign, to lead the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom).
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Ordinance of ‘Confusion’
Lula acknowledged that the government had not fulfilled all of its promises and warned against ministries issuing ordinances that could create confusion, referencing the Pix crisis. This involved a Federal Revenue Service regulation that was revoked after the opposition exploited it. The regulation, which aimed to increase financial transaction monitoring, was used to spread fake news about a Pix tax, which in fact was never created. Lula stressed the need for more caution in drafting regulations to avoid similar controversies.
Closer to the Population
Concerned about the government’s approval ratings, Lula urged his team to engage more directly with the public throughout the year. He instructed his aides to attend events, public acts, and inaugurations to enhance the visibility of federal initiatives. According to two ministers present, Lula emphasized the importance of being “on the streets” rather than confined to the Palace, framing 2025 as a year for “more streets and less Palace.”
Health Situation
Lula reflected on recent health challenges, including emergency surgery in December to drain a hematoma on his head, following a fall in October at the Alvorada Palace. Despite these difficulties, the president assured his team that he was in good health and prepared to lead.
Political Alliances
Looking ahead, Lula mentioned plans to engage with ministers from allied parties to discuss political alliances for 2026. He stressed the need for a strong government to support his candidacy and increase his chances of winning the next presidential election.
Inflation
During the seven-hour meeting, Lula expressed frustration over rising food inflation, reiterating his concerns from earlier discussions. He emphasized that solutions must be found, clarifying that his call to action did not involve imposing price controls but rather identifying viable measures to address the issue.
Ministerial Reform
While Lula did not directly address the anticipated ministerial reform, he underlined the importance of strengthening ties with allied parties. Since taking office, he has already made seven changes to his initial cabinet. According to members of the Planalto political coalition, these potential adjustments aim to solidify the government’s support base in Congress and secure the backing of as many parties as possible for 2026.
Sidônio: 90-Day Plan
During the meeting, Sidônio Palmeira presented a 90-day plan to centralize and enhance the dissemination of government actions. He emphasized the importance of alignment between ministries and recommended that Lula personally highlights the most significant achievements. Sidônio also instructed ministers to draw comparisons between their current performance and that of the Bolsonaro administration, showcasing the state of their respective ministries upon arrival and the progress made since then.
Analysis:
The first ministerial meeting of 2025 underscored the Lula administration’s political strategy to consolidate its support base and prepare for the upcoming elections, emphasizing communication and engagement with the population. Lula’s call for “more streets and less palace” reflects an acknowledgment of the limitations of political and administrative isolation. This approach highlights the importance of maintaining public approval to ensure effective governance and position himself for potential reelection. His directive for ministers to connect directly with citizens through events and inaugurations underlines the need for visibility and grassroots outreach in a politically polarized environment.
The appointment of Sidônio Palmeira as head of the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom) is a strategic move to bolster the government’s narrative and counter opposition criticism. His 90-day plan focuses on aligning ministerial actions and emphasizing progress compared to Bolsonaro’s administration, while also addressing misinformation, as demonstrated in the Pix crisis. By centralizing communication and promoting achievements, the plan aims to strengthen public confidence and counteract the opposition’s use of disinformation as a political tool.
Economic challenges, particularly rising food inflation, present a critical issue for the government, with potential implications for Lula’s popularity. The president’s emphasis on addressing inflation highlights the administration’s recognition of its direct impact on voters’ daily lives. Additionally, Lula’s remarks on his health reflect both reassurance to his political base and a projection of resilience. His mention of possible ministerial reforms and efforts to strengthen alliances with allied parties indicates a pragmatic strategy to ensure political stability in Congress and build a broad coalition for 2026, balancing governance with the demands of Brazil’s fragmented political landscape.
Sources: O Globo [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]; A Folha de SP [1], [2], [3].
