President Lula’s (PT) hesitation in finalizing ministerial changes has generated tension within his administration, leaving some ministers uncertain about their future. This indecision has stalled government initiatives, leading to event cancellations, postponed program launches, and disrupted agendas. Meanwhile, Congress is resuming its activities, with the Chamber of Deputies focusing on tax reform and the controversial bill to grant amnesty to 8 January protesters. In the Senate, President Davi Alcolumbre is prioritizing internal negotiations over contentious legislation. Against this backdrop, former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), now officially a defendant accused of attempting a coup in 2022, is launching a nationwide tour. His goal is to maintain political relevance and consolidate right-wing support as he faces increasing legal scrutiny.
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Lack of Definition in the Ministry
President Lula’s (PT) indecision regarding changes to his team has created tension among ministers, some of whom are facing difficulties after being named as possible candidates for dismissal. Allies of the PT leader believe that by delaying the continuation of the ministerial reform, the president has left some of his aids as “zombies” in their positions. The situation has led to canceled events, absences from trips, and postponed program launches.
General Secretariat of the Presidency
One of those affected is Minister Márcio Macêdo, head of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, a position coveted by PT factions. This office is considered strategic within the Planalto Palace, as it houses ministries directly linked to the Executive Branch and grants direct access to the presidential office. Following the departures of Alexandre Padilha (Secretariat of Institutional Relations) and Paulo Pimenta (Secretariat of Social Communication), who were also part of this select group, Macêdo’s dismissal has become widely expected within the government. Some factions consider him a passive minister with little influence and argue that the General Secretariat should serve as a political engine for the administration. The office is responsible for managing the government’s relationship with civil society and social movements.
On the Tightrope
- Cida Gonçalves
Lula canceled his participation in an event marking International Women’s Day, leading to the event’s suspension and the postponement of planned announcements.
- Paulo Teixeira
Despite being considered a potential target for the reform, the Minister of Agrarian Development has remained engaged in meetings with Lula due to the crisis caused by rising food prices. His presence at an event with the president in Minas Gerais in early March was interpreted by his team as a sign of political survival.
Chamber of Deputies Resumes Work
The Chamber of Deputies will reconvene on Tuesday (01/04) with expectations of defining the rapporteur for key projects, such as the Income Tax reform. Meanwhile, the opposition remains focused on pushing forward the bill (PL) for the amnesty of those imprisoned for the events of 8 January. The president of the Chamber, Hugo Motta (Republicans), returns to Brasília after spending a week abroad accompanying President Lula on an official trip to Japan.
Senate: A Week of Political Maneuvering
In the Senate, President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil), who was also part of Lula’s delegation to Japan, has opted to leave controversial proposals off the agenda. These include a bill to amend the Clean Record Law, reducing the period of ineligibility, and another targeting so-called habitual debtors—taxpayers who intentionally owe millions to the IRS. With a relatively “light” schedule, the Senate is expected to focus on internal negotiations based on discussions held between Alcolumbre and Lula.
Bolsonaro’s Nationwide Tour
Now officially a defendant, accused of leading an attempted coup to remain in power, former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) is set to embark on a series of trips across Brazil this week. His objective is to maintain his political relevance among right-wing voters and prevent other leaders from gaining ground in this political sphere. Members of his party state that Bolsonaro’s itinerary was accelerated following the unanimous decision by the First Chamber of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to indict him for his alleged role in the 2022 coup attempt.
Analysis:
President Lula’s (PT) hesitation in executing ministerial changes underscores a broader challenge in his administration: balancing political interests within a fragmented governing coalition. The delay in defining the new ministerial structure has not only generated internal instability but also weakened the effectiveness of some ministries, as key figures operate in a state of uncertainty. This lack of clarity risks diminishing the government’s ability to push forward its agenda, particularly as Congress resumes work on crucial legislative matters, including tax reform and the controversial amnesty bill for 8 January protesters.
In contrast, the Senate’s decision to sideline controversial topics reflects a strategic approach by President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil) to avoid unnecessary friction when the government seeks to consolidate support. Meanwhile, former President Jair Bolsonaro’s (PL) intensified public engagements signal his intent to remain politically relevant despite his legal troubles. His mobilization aims to prevent other right-wing leaders from filling the vacuum left by his ineligibility, reinforcing his position as the primary opposition figure.
Sources: O Globo [1], [2], [3], [4]; A Folha de SP.
