Brazil’s Congress Elects New Leaders, Pledging Independence from Lula Administration

Brazil’s House and Senate elected new leaders on Saturday, with both pledging to maintain independence from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during their two-year terms—the final stretch of Lula’s presidency.

Representative Hugo Motta was elected speaker of the House, while Davi Alcolumbre secured the Senate presidency. Their victories, while expected, could pose challenges for Lula’s leftist government, as his approval ratings dip below 50% for the first time since taking office in 2023.

Both leaders have gained support from conservatives and liberals, largely by advocating for greater Congressional control over federal spending. Currently, lawmakers control nearly a quarter of Brazil’s federal budget, a share that has significantly expanded over the past decade.

Alcolumbre acknowledged that tensions over earmarked funds remain a key issue, but he emphasized the need to "preserve the Senate’s independence." Meanwhile, Motta vowed to strengthen the House’s autonomy, stating that Congress must maintain a balanced relationship with other branches of government.

Despite concerns over his declining approval ratings and fiscal policies, Lula assured reporters ahead of the election that he would not interfere in the Congressional vote.

Lula is scheduled to meet with Motta and Alcolumbre next week. His administration’s priority includes pushing legislation to exempt Brazilians earning under 5,000 reais ($850) from income taxes, a policy that will require broad Congressional backing.

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