Caiado criticizes Lula's 6x1 work schedule change as having electoral bias

Ronaldo Caiado, a presidential hopeful for the PSD party, has criticized the Lula administration's proposed constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule, labeling it as having an "electoral bias." The measure, which would alter the work pattern from six days of work followed by one day of rest, has become a point of contention.

Caiado, speaking to journalists during an event hosted by the National Transport Confederation (CNT), avoided a direct stance on whether he supports or opposes the proposal. He argued that the project is "simply populist, electoral, for votes." Caiado suggested that while many parliamentarians are assessing the survival conditions related to this change, President Lula has effectively passed the decision-making responsibility to them.

The proposal to abolish the 6x1 schedule was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May but had stalled in the Senate. Recent weeks saw increased pressure from Lula and the Workers' Party (PT) to advance the legislation. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre expedited the progress of this and other key proposals for Lula's administration after a period of strained relations. The 6x1 reform is considered significant for Lula's management, potentially impacting his re-election prospects.

Alcolumbre also advanced the Public Safety Amendment to the Constitution and Justice Committee, chaired by Otto Alencar, also from Caiado's PSD party. Caiado, who had previously criticized the proposal, declared support for the Public Safety Amendment, which was approved by deputies in March. The 6x1 proposal, following extensive negotiations, is expected to be discussed during the Senate's recess.