The government continues with its efforts to solidify a political base in Congress. On Tuesday (29/08), President Lula announced the creation of a new ministry. And later, his advisors came up with a new design analyzed by President Lula (PT), which would provide for the merger of the Sports portfolio with the new ministry. The measures would help seal a deal of political support with two major parties, Progressist Party (PP) and Republicans, import players in the Federal Chamber.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry
The latest addition to the row of ministries should be the Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry, which will likely be headed by Federal Deputy André Fufuca, a member of the PP. The party says that the Social Development Ministry is its main option, but President Lula’s resistance to handing it over to other political groups or dismembering it has put a brake on negotiations. With this decision, the number of ministries will increase from 37 to 38.
Possible Fusion
Following the announcement of the new ministry, the government also stated that it could merge with the Sports Ministry, therefore, creating the Sport and Entrepreneurship Ministry. The maneuver would be a way to improve the desirability of this new government department.
Ports Ministry
The Republicans would finally get command of the Ports Ministry, which would be led by deputy Sílvio Costa Filho (Republicanos-PE). The hypothesis was discussed at a meeting, but not yet sealed.
Seeking Alliances
The definition of the increase in the number of ministries comes amid discussions to accommodate the PP and the Republicans as a new ally of the government, a negotiation that has been dragging on for months. The government seeks to build a comfortable base in the National Congress, in particular in the Chamber, to approve proposals of interest to them. The resistance and difficulties to define the ministerial reform map have postponed the confirmation of the exchanges, whose negotiations have been negotiated for months.
Relations with the Opposition
While negotiating with the government, the PP and Republicans seek to maintain bridges with supporters of the former President Jair Bolsonaro. Media sources claim that the strategy is to leave doors open with both political sides waiting for the best course to be taken, aiming to obtain the best alliances for next year’s elections.
Analysis:
Political support in the Federal Chamber is essential for the government to maintain a stable course through its four years of mandate. In addition to allowing the government to approve amendments to the Constitution and laws, which guarantees governability, the federal deputies are the first step for an impeachment process during a crisis. The Federal Chamber President has an even more important role, being the one responsible for articulating votes in support or opposition of a project proposed by the central authority and for accepting, rejecting or even “ignoring” an impeachment request filed against the President. Lula has been postponing the completion of the agreement in the name of achieving a better deal on his part – so he may find ways to avoid relinquishing his most important ministries to the parties from which they want support. So far, with the economy showing positive results, the strategy has worked, but if the scenario changes, relations could go sour, especially due to the large ideological opposition in the Chamber and in the Senate.
