Flávio Bolsonaro Concentrates Amendments on Security, Neglects Science and Agriculture

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has directed the vast majority of his parliamentary amendments toward public security and national defense, largely neglecting sectors such as housing, agriculture, science, and technology. A review of his funding allocations since taking office in 2019 reveals a clear prioritization of security-related initiatives.

Over the period, Bolsonaro allocated R$364 million (inflation-adjusted) in amendments. Of this total, 21.8%, amounting to R$79.5 million, was designated for national defense, and 19.4% (R$70.9 million) for public security. These figures position him as the senator who has most significantly funded national defense and ranks him second for public security allocations.

In contrast, other critical areas received minimal attention. Health, a legally mandated area for at least 50% of amendments, received just 50.8% (R$185.5 million), barely exceeding the requirement. Science and technology, agriculture, housing, culture, and energy received no funding from his amendments. This approach stands in contrast to his pro-agribusiness rhetoric, despite 78 out of 117 senators having invested in agriculture through their amendments.

Other allocations included 1.4% for special charges (debt refinancing, public entity interest payments), 3.1% for sports and leisure, and 1.67% for social assistance. For education, he allocated 0.8%, placing him 56th among senators in terms of investment in this sector. The senator's funding strategy highlights a distinct focus, prioritizing security and defense above a broader range of public services and development sectors.