Brazil's Chamber President Hugo Motta softens criticism of minister's asset freeze decisions

Hugo Motta, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, has adopted a more conciliatory tone when discussing decisions made by Minister Flávio Dino, a shift from his earlier critical remarks. Initially, Motta had strongly opposed Dino's decision to freeze the assets of Valdemar Costa Neto, the president of the Liberal Party (PL). Motta had characterized this move as an inappropriate attempt to 'criminalize political activity.'

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We are going to defend what is being done. We are convinced that the Chamber is complying with the law regarding the applicability and execution of committee amendments. And we will demonstrate this within the process, ensuring due legal process and providing all necessary clarifications.

However, in recent statements, Motta has downplayed potential conflicts, asserting that the Chamber of Deputies is "complying with the law" in its handling of parliamentary amendments. He indicated that he would consult with the Chamber's legal team to determine the next steps but expressed confidence in their adherence to legal procedures. Motta sought to reassure that the Chamber's actions are in line with legal frameworks and institutional commitments.

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We are going to defend what is being done. We are convinced that the Chamber is complying with the law regarding the applicability and execution of committee amendments. And we will demonstrate this within the process, ensuring due legal process and providing all necessary clarifications.

This change in posture comes after Minister Dino's actions, which included freezing R$119 million in assets belonging to Valdemar Costa Neto and an additional R$6 million from former Chamber President Eduardo Cunha. These measures are part of federal police investigations into allegations that both figures improperly influenced the allocation of parliamentary funds, allegedly using the Chamber's administrative structure and formal records in the names of elected officials.

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unconformity with the undue judicial intervention in the merits of typical parliamentary activity.

Motta's earlier strong criticism, articulated in a statement on Saturday, expressed "inconformity with the undue judicial intervention in the merits of typical parliamentary activity." He argued that Dino's decision lacked evidence of misconduct or irregular use of public funds, stating that the allocation of amendments was fully compliant with existing regulations and institutional agreements. The shift in Motta's rhetoric suggests a strategic move to de-escalate tensions between the legislative and judicial branches.

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it is unacceptable, given that the allocation of amendments is in full compliance with the current regulatory framework and with the institutional commitments made between the Executive and Legislative branches before the Constitutional Court itself.