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Assistants of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) have already started negotiations with the main parties that were allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL). However, political experts believe that a support crisis may emerge from the government’s closest allies.
Seeking Support from the Opposition – Republicans, PP and PL
Republicans, Progressist Party (PP) and even Liberal Party (PL) opened the channel with the political articulation of the PT government. In order to provide political support, they requested second and third-level positions in the government. In exchange, they offered votes for projects in the Congress. Negotiations will be case by case, with each congressman available. Thus, there is no chance that the support of an entire party will be obtained at once.
The support of at least 35 federal deputies is expected to be obtained from Republicans and PL. Those from PP – which has 47 deputies – will depend on the Chamber President Arthur Lira, who was reelected to this position with the support of Lula.
The Focus
The government’s political articulation is focused on the Federal Chamber, where the group formed by PP, PL and Republicans – the most important parties from the political group known as “the Centrão” – is stronger.
Amendments
Another strategy to expand Lula’s base in Congress is the distribution of resources from the ministries to be used in projects by the congressmen. The government has almost R$ 10 billion that can be used with that purpose.
Internal Crisis Ahead?
According to media outlets, these members of the “Centrão” believe that soon an internal crisis in the government’s support base in the Congress will emerge, giving them even more possibilities to expand their power. In the view of “Centrão” leaders, the legislative proposals that Lula prioritized will lead to a rupture of the President’s left-wing alliance. PT, PC do B, PSOL and other allied acronyms of the president will be pushed to discuss –outside the ideological field– changes in the tax and tribute system in the country and a new rule for controlling expenses.
It is the moment when these parties, such as the Republicans, the PP and even the PL of former President Jair Bolsonaro, think they will gain even more strength. Officially, they will once again spread the discourse that the bloc guarantees governance for the country and represents political stability. But that comes at a price.
