Government Leader's Move to Appease Senator Irritates Allies of Key Official

A strategic attempt by the new Senate government leader, Teresa Leitão of the Workers' Party (PT), to improve relations with Senator Davi Alcolumbre has backfired, sparking negative reactions within the Palácio do Planalto.

Leitão reportedly sought to curb criticism directed at Alcolumbre, the Senate president, from Guilherme Boulos, the Secretary-General of the Presidency, and other PT members. This move, aimed at appeasing Alcolumbre, has instead irked Boulos's allies.

Sources close to Boulos argue that the political articulation team's role should be to exert pressure on the senator to vote on ending the 6x1 work shift scale. They contend that the team should not be working against individuals who support the project, implying Leitão's actions were counterproductive.

The reduction of working hours is a top priority for President Lula's government in the pre-election period. However, the government's political maneuvering has thus far failed to convince Alcolumbre to bring the bill to the Senate floor. His allies anticipate a vote only after the upcoming elections, despite the government's push to secure approval in August.