Brazil’s political week unfolds amid cabinet changes, judicial decisions, and strategic diplomacy. President Lula prepares to appoint a new Supreme Court justice following Luís Roberto Barroso’s retirement, while confirming Guilherme Boulos as Secretary-General of the Presidency in a move tied to the 2026 elections. The government also advances with dismissals of Centrão-linked officials and monitors key cases before the Supreme Court related to disinformation networks. In Congress, the debate over the Budget Guidelines Law (LDO) tests executive-legislative relations, as Lula’s administration seeks to balance political stability, institutional reform, and its growing international agenda — including a potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025.
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New Minister
A shakeup in President Lula’s administration is expected today (20/10), confirming a change that has circulated in political circles since January: Guilherme Boulos will join the cabinet. He replaces Márcio Macedo as Secretary-General of the Presidency, tasked with revitalizing the government’s connection to social movements. The appointment serves three key purposes: preparing for the 2026 election, reinforcing Lula’s political base, and strengthening communication with grassroots organizations. This is an isolated move rather than part of a broader reshuffle, which is expected to occur in early April when at least ten ministers will step down to run for elected office.
New Supreme Court Justice
President Lula (Workers’ Party) is expected to resume deliberations this week on selecting the next nominee to the Supreme Federal Court (STF), following the retirement of Justice Luís Roberto Barroso on Saturday (18/10). The process, handled with great caution by the Planalto Palace, will involve further consultations in the coming days. The leading contender, according to presidential aides, is Attorney General of the Union Jorge Messias. Behind the scenes, Lula is expected to hold discussions with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, who plays a key role in coordinating confirmation hearings for court nominees.
Dismissals
The scope of the dismissals the Lula administration intends to carry out among Centrão-aligned appointees—and even some from opposition parties such as the PL—is still being finalized. However, presidential advisors estimate that around 100 dismissals will take place, including regional and national posts. The process began on Monday (13/10) and will proceed without a fixed deadline. In addition to a vice-presidency at Caixa Econômica Federal and one at DNIT (National Department of Infrastructure, linked to the Ministry of Transportation), whose occupants have already been removed, replacements are expected across at least ten federal agencies.
Trial
The Supreme Federal Court (STF) will resume on Tuesday (21/10) the trial of the group accused of orchestrating disinformation campaigns and systematic attacks on Brazil’s electoral system. Justices of the Court’s First Chamber will vote on the matter. According to investigations, this group played a central role in spreading false narratives about ballot fraud and inciting supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro to reject legitimate election results. The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) contends that the defendants coordinated efforts to undermine confidence in electronic voting, promote conspiracy theories, and encourage institutional instability.
Budget
The National Congress will again debate this week the bill that sets a payment schedule for parliamentary amendments through 2026. The proposal has caused friction with the Executive, which seeks to preserve flexibility in fiscal management. After postponing its session last week, the Joint Budget Committee (CMO) will resume deliberations on Tuesday (21/10), voting on the Budget Guidelines Law (LDO). If approved, the bill will proceed to plenary votes in both houses of Congress.
Meeting with Trump
The Brazilian government views as essential a meeting between President Lula (Workers’ Party) and U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 to strengthen bilateral relations. Lula departs for Asia on Tuesday (21/10) to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia. The Planalto Palace and the Foreign Ministry are evaluating the possibility of a bilateral encounter during the trip, though scheduling remains uncertain. According to officials, the White House has also signaled interest in holding the meeting soon, reflecting mutual intent to reestablish a productive diplomatic agenda.
Analysis:
President Lula’s latest political maneuvers reveal a careful balancing act between governance, party strategy, and institutional management. The appointment of Guilherme Boulos as Secretary-General of the Presidency consolidates the Workers’ Party’s ties to social movements while signaling a clear political alignment ahead of the 2026 elections. This move reinforces Lula’s left-wing base at a time when his administration faces pressure from centrist allies within Congress.
At the same time, the upcoming nomination of a new Supreme Federal Court justice offers Lula a crucial opportunity to influence Brazil’s judicial landscape. The anticipated selection of Jorge Messias would strengthen the administration’s legal and institutional footprint, ensuring greater harmony between the Executive and the Court in future rulings on sensitive issues such as political reform, disinformation, and social policy.
Parallel to these domestic developments, Lula’s diplomatic agenda illustrates his intent to reposition Brazil as a global interlocutor while maintaining dialogue with diverse partners. The planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, if confirmed, represents a pragmatic shift—prioritizing strategic cooperation over ideological distance.
