In a move considered reckless by centrist allies—who had hoped to nominate someone for the position—President Lula announced on Friday (28/02) that PT leader and congresswoman Gleisi Hoffmann will be the new Minister of the Secretariat of Institutional Relations (SRI). With a confrontational profile, she will be responsible for leading the government’s political coordination and assisting Lula in negotiations with Congress. Amid declining approval ratings, Hoffmann will also shape the Executive’s strategy against Bolsonarism and, from the Planalto Palace, begin preparations for Lula’s potential reelection campaign in 2026.
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Other Ministerial Changes
Gleisi Hoffmann assumes leadership of the SRI following the departure of Alexandre Padilha, who moved to the Ministry of Health after the dismissal of Minister Nísia Trindade. Speculation about Trindade’s removal had been circulating for weeks, as part of a phased ministerial reform aimed at strengthening the Lula administration in two key areas: relations with Congress and voter support. Lula seeks to give his ministries a more political profile, urging ministers to actively defend the government’s achievements. He is also expected to accommodate nominations from the “Centrão”.
Tensions with the “Centrão”
Gleisi Hoffmann’s appointment to manage the government’s political coordination has sparked concerns due to her history of conflicts with both Lula’s ministers and the “Centrão”, the decisive force in Congressional votes. As PT president, she has opposed the party’s shift toward the center and has advocated for polarization as a political strategy. In recent years, she has been a vocal critic of Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, often making him a primary target of her opposition within the administration.
New Leadership in the PT
The PT will meet on Friday, March 7, to decide who will temporarily assume party leadership in place of Gleisi Hoffmann, now appointed to oversee political coordination at the Planalto Palace. Senator Humberto Costa (PE) is currently the frontrunner for the role, competing with government leader in the Chamber of Deputies, José Guimarães (CE).
New Government Leader in the Chamber
As the new Minister of Institutional Relations, Gleisi Hoffmann is working to appoint a congressman from a centrist party to lead the government in the Chamber of Deputies. This move aims to counterbalance her own appointment to political coordination at the Planalto Palace. Currently, the government leadership in the Chamber is held by Congressman José Guimarães (PT-CE).
Challenges in Securing Support
The ministerial reform initiated by President Lula—starting with changes in the Health and Institutional Relations ministries—is unlikely to resolve the administration’s ongoing challenges, according to allies. On the contrary, government insiders and congressmen fear that appointing Gleisi Hoffmann to lead political coordination signals a shift toward greater PT dominance, potentially complicating legislative negotiations. Officials at the Planalto Palace also foresee difficulties in forming alliances for the 2026 elections, given Lula’s declining popularity.
Analysis:
The appointment of Gleisi Hoffmann to the Secretariat of Institutional Relations is a high-stake move by President Lula at a time of political vulnerability. Choosing a figure known for her confrontational style and resistance to dialogue with the Centrão could further strain the already fragile relationship between the government and Congress. Given that Lula’s administration relies on centrist parties to pass key legislation, this decision may be seen as a move to consolidate power within the PT, potentially alienating essential allies.
Beyond the immediate implications for congressional negotiations, Hoffmann’s appointment signals a shift in the government’s broader political strategy. As PT president, she has consistently advocated for maintaining polarization as an electoral tactic, often clashing with party members who favor a more conciliatory approach.
Ultimately, this ministerial reshuffle highlights the Lula government’s ongoing struggle to balance political coordination with electoral strategy. The replacement of Alexandre Padilha with Hoffmann reflects an attempt at internal reorganization but also underscores the difficulty of managing coalition pressures and distributing influence among allies. If this move is not paired with stronger congressional outreach and a clearer plan to rebuild public support, the government may face even greater challenges in advancing its legislative agenda and securing a viable path to reelection.
Source: O Globo [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]; Folha de São Paulo; G1.
