This week in Brazil
Brazil's political landscape is marked by significant tension this week, with a Senate committee calling for the impeachment of Supreme Court Justices and the Prosecutor General. Negotiations over app-based worker regulations have stalled, involving Minister Guilherme Boulos, while the opposition actively works to block a PT-backed candidate for the Federal Court of Accounts. Additionally, former congressman Alexandre Ramagem's detention in the US adds another layer of legal and political complexity.
About Brazil
Brazil, a South American giant, captivates with its vibrant culture, vast Amazon rainforest, and extensive coastline, making it a significant global player. While its media market is large and diverse, press freedom is partly-free, with journalists facing violence, particularly in rural areas, and media ownership remaining concentrated.
Visiting Brazil
Media landscape
Brazil boasts a large and diverse media market, where the press is generally free, though journalists encounter violence, particularly in rural regions, and media ownership is notably concentrated.
For comprehensive coverage, consult major national outlets, but be mindful of regional differences and potential biases stemming from concentrated ownership.
Sources we track 2
Moraes Criticized for Suspending Law on Jan. 8 Attackers, Praised by Allies
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes suspended a law passed by Congress that would reduce sentences for those involved in the January 8th, 2023, coup attempts. - The law, known as the …
Brazil's 6x1 Shift Debate: Commission Considers Weekday Rest Days Amidst Business Concerns
- A special commission in Brazil is discussing the end of the 6x1 work shift (six days on, one day off). - Business representatives are concerned about the original proposal of consecutive weekend day…
Flávio Bolsonaro Hints at 8-Year Term, Vows to Erase Leftist Influence
- Senator Flávio Bolsonaro suggested his government could last eight years if elected president, contradicting his previous stance against re-election. - Bolsonaro also vowed to make the left "insigni…
Prosecutor: Brazil's Electoral Cycle Too Short to Solve Organized Crime Influence
- A São Paulo prosecutor stated that combating organized crime's influence on elections is challenging due to the short electoral process. - The Public Prosecutor's Office is implementing measures to …
Deputy proposes cap on federal council annual fees
- Federal Deputy Kim Kataguiri proposed a bill to cap annual fees charged by federal councils, including the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association). - The proposal sets a limit of R$250 for higher education …
Ciro Nogueira Claims Police Operation Aims to 'Stain His Honor'
- Senator Ciro Nogueira, president of the PP party, claims a federal police operation against him is an attempt to tarnish his honor. - Nogueira alleges the operation is politically motivated, aimed a…
Senate President Enacts Law Reducing Penalties for Jan 8 Riot Convicts, Benefiting Bolsonaro
- The President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, enacted a law reducing penalties for those convicted in the January 8, 2023, anti-government riots, a measure that benefits former President Jair Bolson…
Hope All Investigated Are Innocent, Says Lula on Operation Targeting Ciro Nogueira
- Brazilian President Lula expressed hope for the innocence of all individuals investigated in a police operation targeting Senator Ciro Nogueira. - The operation, authorized by a Supreme Court minist…
Operation Against Ciro Nogueira Shakes Election, Seen as Appetizer for Vorcaro Testimony
- A Federal Police operation targeted Ciro Nogueira, a powerful political figure in Brazil's centrist bloc. - The operation is expected to directly impact the upcoming presidential election. - This ac…
Conflict of Interest Plagues Brazil's Superior Courts; TST Judges Accused of Selling Legal Courses
- Brazil's superior courts are facing increasing scrutiny over conflicts of interest, including the sale of rulings and improper connections. - A recent scandal involves the sale of courses for lawyer…
Haddad: Lula Won't Use Bolsonaro-Style Election Sweeteners
- Finance Minister Fernando Haddad stated that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will not implement populist "goodie packages" to secure re-election, unlike former President Bolsonaro. - Haddad asse…
Lula seeks détente with Senate chief after key defeats
- Brazilian President Lula has instructed his aides to mend relations with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre following recent government defeats in Congress. - The government suffered setbacks with the…
NSW Gun Industry Warns of Plummeting Sales, Calls for Buyback to Be Scrapped
- New South Wales faces pressure to implement a gun buyback scheme following the Bondi massacre, but the firearms industry reports plummeting sales. - Industry representatives argue that new regulatio…
Brazil Justice Warns Against Banned Salary Bonuses After Court Ruling
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino warned against the creation and payment of unauthorized salary supplements, known as 'penduricalhos,' following a court ruling on supersalaries. - The warn…
Michelle Bolsonaro Shares Emotional Tribute to Husband Jair Bolsonaro Amidst House Arrest
- Michelle Bolsonaro shared an emotional social media post about caring for her husband, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest. - She described the intimate care she provides, exp…
PSOL Deputies Propose 15% Shorter Workday for Mothers
- PSOL federal deputies Fernanda Melchionna and Sâmia Bomfim proposed an amendment to reduce working hours for mothers. - The amendment suggests a 15% reduction in daily working hours for mothers with…
Adolescent participation in the electorate may reach its worst level since 2014, says research
- Brazil is projected to see its lowest adolescent voter participation rate since 2014 in the upcoming presidential election. - Only 1.44 million to 1.6 million 16- and 17-year-olds are expected to re…
São Paulo Prosecutor Files 50 Lawsuits Against Ex-Agriculture Secretary Over Road Program
- São Paulo's Public Prosecutor's Office has filed 50 civil lawsuits against former state Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Matturro. - The lawsuits allege irregularities in 147 contracts related to …
PT to field own candidate in Maranhão after talks with governor collapse
- The national PT leadership decided to nominate Vice Governor Felipe Camarão as its candidate for governor in Maranhão after negotiations with current Governor Carlos Brandão failed. - Governor Brand…
Man Arrested for Burning a Dog Alive in CDMX; FGJ Executes Arrest Warrant
- A man, identified as Aldo "N", was arrested in Mexico City for allegedly setting his ex-partner's dog on fire. - The incident occurred on November 26, 2024, after the suspect allegedly climbed over …
Supreme Court to Judge Tax Reform's Impact on Disability Rights
- The Brazilian Supreme Court will judge on May 21 actions challenging the tax reform's regulation, with two specifically arguing it restricts rights for people with disabilities. - Entities claim the…
Tarcísio Names Alesp President as Senate Candidate, Slams Haddad
- Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has announced André do Prado as the second Senate candidate for his ticket, finalizing the composition for the upcoming elections. - Prado secured the nomination after E…
PT Seeks Former Belo Horizonte Mayor as Alternative Platform for Lula in Minas Gerais
- Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) is seeking former Belo Horizonte mayor Alexandre Kalil as a potential ally for President Lula in Minas Gerais. - This move follows the Senate's rejection of Jorge Messia…
Eduardo Bolsonaro Mocks Lula-Trump Meeting, Questions 'National Sovereignty'
- Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, criticized President Lula da Silva's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, questioning national sovereignty. - He accused Lula of prese…
Court Rejects PT's Lawsuit Against Deputy Who Called Party 'Party of Traffickers'
- A Brazilian court rejected a lawsuit filed by the Workers' Party (PT) against a federal deputy. - The PT sought R$40,000 in damages and the removal of posts where the deputy called the party "Partid…
Moraes: Sentencing Law Not Yet in Effect; Denies Sentence Reduction for 'Débora do Batom'
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes stated that the law reducing penalties for January 8th defendants is not yet in effect. - He rejected a request to reduce the sentence for Débora R…
Paraná Court of Justice reverses creation of specialized courts and intern supervision bonus
- The Paraná Court of Justice initially approved the creation of 28 specialized digital courts and a financial compensation for supervising interns. - Following public scrutiny and potential implicati…
Fighting the system is a trick to fool the voter
- The article criticizes the political strategy of adopting an "anti-system" stance, particularly by "petistas" (members of the Workers' Party) in Brazil. - It argues that this approach is a confusing…
Black Women Decide Opens Registrations for Political Coverage Training
- The "Mulheres Negras Decidem" movement is offering a free training program for journalists covering politics. - The "Mensageiras Confiáveis" (Reliable Messengers) program aims to improve media repre…
PT leader defends 'blusinha tax,' suggests changing discourse on work hours
- The leader of the PT party in the Chamber of Deputies, Pedro Uczai, advocates for the government to maintain the import tax on international e-commerce purchases, known as the "blusinha tax." - Ucza…
Zema Says He Will 'Privatize Everything' If Elected Brazil's President
- Brazilian presidential hopeful Romeu Zema stated he would privatize all state-owned companies if elected. - Zema claims this would rapidly reduce interest rates in Brazil, accompanied by administrat…
Bolsonaro Recovers Well After Shoulder Surgery
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is recovering well after shoulder surgery. - He is reportedly experiencing good pain control and is hospitalized for pain management and thrombosis preventi…
Bolsonaro shows good progress after surgery, will remain hospitalized: medical bulletin
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is recovering well after shoulder surgery and remains hospitalized in Brasília. - The surgery, performed on his right shoulder, concluded without complicati…
Flávio Bolsonaro Denies Deal to Drop Master Bank Probe
- Senator Flávio Bolsonaro denies any agreement to trade a potential "CPI do Master" investigation for a vote on a sentencing reform bill. - Bolsonaro claims the Workers' Party is hindering the invest…
Jewish community asks Brazil's electoral court to extend voting hours due to religious holiday
- Brazil's Jewish community is petitioning the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to accommodate voters observing the Simchat Torá holiday on October 4, 2026. - The holiday, which coincides with the first…
Paulinho da Força Celebrates Override of Lula's Veto, Calls Government Weak
- Congressman Paulinho da Força celebrated the override of President Lula's veto on a sentencing measure, calling the government "weak." - Da Força made the remarks at a May Day event in São Paulo, wh…
Bolsonaro Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Hospitalized for Observation Amidst House Arrest
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent shoulder surgery on Friday and is hospitalized for observation. - The surgery required authorization from Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Mora…
Haddad: Only 'Collective Brainwashing' Explains Lula-Bolsonaro Poll Tie
- Fernando Haddad, a pre-candidate for Governor of São Paulo, criticized recent election polls showing a technical tie between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro. - Haddad attributed the poll results to "colle…
Lula's Veto on Bill Reducing Penalties for Jan 8 Rioters Overturned by Congress
- Brazil's Congress overturned President Lula's veto on a bill that reduces penalties for those involved in the January 8th coup attempt and related acts. - Parties with ministries in Lula's governmen…
Messias was victim of sordid and petty manipulation, says Prerrogativas
- The legal group Prerrogativas stated that Jorge Messias was a victim of "sordid and petty manipulation" after his nomination for the Supreme Court was rejected by the Senate. - The group, aligned wi…
Kátia Abreu Suggests Alcolumbre Betrayed Lula Because He Is Jewish, Then Deletes Post
- Kátia Abreu, a PT politician, suggested Senator Davi Alcolumbre betrayed President Lula because he is Jewish. - Abreu initially posted a comparison to Judas Iscariotes, including a reference to him…
Brazil Senate Rejects Lula's Supreme Court Nominee in Historic Vote
- Brazil's Senate rejected President Lula's nomination of Jorge Messias to the Supreme Court. - This marks the first time in 132 years the Senate has rejected a presidential STF nominee. - STF Ministe…
Senate rejected Lula's attempt to make STF minister a trust post, says Caiado
- Former Goiás governor Ronaldo Caiado stated that the Senate rejected President Lula's attempt to treat a Supreme Court minister position as a political appointment. - Caiado criticized Lula's previo…
Brazil's Attorney General Receives Rejection for Supreme Court Seat with Calm, Allies Debate 'Betrayals'
- Jorge Messias, Brazil's Attorney General, received news of his rejection for a Supreme Court (STF) nomination with composure, though his political allies expressed concern. - Messias acknowledged th…
Lula Allies Urge Leaving Supreme Court Seat Vacant
- Allies of Brazilian President Lula are advocating for him to leave a Supreme Federal Court (STF) seat vacant rather than nominate a new justice. - They argue that a new nomination risks another defe…
It's not simple to face rejection, but the Senate is sovereign and we must accept it, says Messias
- Brazil's Attorney General, Jorge Messias, accepted the Senate's rejection of his Supreme Court nomination. - The Senate voted against Messias's appointment in a secret ballot, with 42 senators oppos…
Disastrous for Lula: Defeat Raises Doubts About Government's Ability to React
- President Lula's government faces significant doubt regarding its ability to react following a major defeat in the nomination of Jorge Messias to the Supreme Federal Court (STF). - Messias's nominat…
For a stronger, less suspicious Supreme Court
- Brazilian Justice Minister Flávio Dino proposed a "new cycle of constitutional changes" rather than focusing on an ethics code for the Supreme Court. - Dino argued that reforms should be "true," add…
Nominee Messias stresses judicial self-restraint in Brazilian Supreme Court hearing
- Jorge Messias, nominated by President Lula for the Supreme Court, emphasized judicial self-restraint during his Senate confirmation hearing. - Messias stressed the importance of institutional harmon…
Jorge Messias's hearing will have a secret vote? How long will it last? Read questions and answers
- The Brazilian Senate is evaluating the nomination of Jorge Messias for a Supreme Federal Court (STF) vacancy. - Messias is undergoing a confirmation hearing in the Constitution and Justice Commissio…
Brazil's Supreme Court to Hear Defamation Case Against Former President Bolsonaro
- Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruled it has jurisdiction to hear a defamation lawsuit against former President Jair Bolsonaro. - The lawsuit was filed by federal prosecutor Monique Cheker Mend…
Brazilian Columnist Decries Selective Application of Rights, Erosion of Freedoms
- A Brazilian columnist, Fernando Schüler, critiques the increasing relativization and selectivity of rights in Brazil, particularly concerning freedom of expression and parliamentary immunity. - Schü…
Flávio Bolsonaro Advised to Adopt Balanced Tone in Messias Hearing
- Allies of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro are advising him to adopt a balanced and respectful tone during the Senate confirmation hearing for Jorge Messias, a nominee for the Supreme Court. - The strategy …
Ethics Council Rapporteur Recommends Suspension for Three Deputies Involved in Chamber Mutiny
- The ethics council rapporteur in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has recommended a two-month suspension for three lawmakers involved in a protest that disrupted the house. - The lawmakers are accused o…
Australia's Inflation Set to Hit Highest Level in 2.5 Years Amid Iran War Impact; RBA Rate Hike Expected
- Australia's inflation rate is expected to reach approximately 4.8% in the March quarter, the highest in two and a half years, largely due to increased fuel prices from the Iran war. - The Reserve Ba…
PSB Backs Brazil's Attorney General Messias for Supreme Court After Key Lunch Meeting
- Jorge Messias, Brazil's Attorney General, received support from the PSB party for his Supreme Court nomination following a lunch with Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco and Vice President Geraldo Alck…
Motta defends approval of misogyny proposal by June, creates working group to debate it
- The Chamber of Deputies in Brazil will begin discussing a proposal to criminalize misogyny next week, with a plenary vote expected in June. - A working group, coordinated by Deputy Tabata Amaral, wi…
Lula's minister returns to Senate for Messias's Supreme Court vote
- Social Development Minister Wellington Dias (PT) will temporarily return to the Senate to vote on Jorge Messias's nomination to the Supreme Court. - Dias, currently the only minister on leave from t…
Brazil's Right Wing Seeks Sentence Reduction for Bolsonaro Amid Legal Tussle
- Brazil's right-wing lawmakers are seeking a way to reduce penalties for Bolsonaro and January 8th defendants without invalidating anti-fascist or femicide laws. - Congress will vote on whether to up…
Campaign Launched to End 6x1 Work Schedule for Rural Workers in Brazil
- Oxfam Brazil and Contar launched a campaign to end the 6x1 work schedule for rural workers. - The campaign advocates for two days of weekly rest, citing research on long working hours and demanding …
Podemos backs Tarcísio for São Paulo governor, but will field own Senate candidate
- The national Podemos party confirmed its support for São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas's re-election. - However, the party will field its own candidate for the Senate in São Paulo, potentially …
Court Orders Journalist to Pay Colleague Damages Over Quota Remark
- A Brazilian journalist, Paula Schmitt, has been ordered to pay R$8,000 in damages to colleague Basília Rodrigues. - Schmitt had claimed Rodrigues, who is Black, only secured her position through rac…
PCC Member Allegedly Used State Helipad for Football Match, Police Say
- A helicopter carrying a member of the PCC crime syndicate landed at the São Paulo state government's helipad in March 2022. - The individual allegedly used political contacts to obtain landing autho…
São Paulo Government Launches Forest Fire Prevention Program on Highways
- The São Paulo state government is launching a new program to prevent and combat forest fires along state highways. - The initiative, announced at Agrishow 2026, focuses on creating and maintaining f…
Justice Minister Dino: Anti-Corruption Measures Insufficient; Demands Harsher Punishments for Judicial Corruption
- Brazilian Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino advocates for harsher penalties for corruption offenses within the justice system. - Dino argues that current ethical and moral oversight mechanisms for …
Judicial Reform Exposes Divisions in Brazil's Politics and Divided Supreme Court
- Brazil's judiciary reform has become a central campaign issue, with left, right, and the Supreme Court divided on its scope and focus. - The right criticizes the judiciary but lacks a concrete refor…
Video Reveals How Parliamentary Amendments Fuel Amazon Deforestation Through Road Construction
- A video report reveals how parliamentary amendments are funding road construction in the Amazon, contributing to illegal deforestation. - Local governments in the Amazon are using these funds for in…
Zema Releases New Satirical Video Mocking Supreme Court Justices
- Former Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema released a satirical video mocking Supreme Court ministers Gilmar Mendes and Alexandre de Moraes. - The video, part of his "The Untouchables" series, referenc…
Hackers Target 'City of Billionaires' in Santa Catarina, Divert R$ 12 Million
- Hackers targeted the municipality of Jaraguá do Sul in Santa Catarina, Brazil, attempting to defraud R$ 40 million. - Approximately R$ 12 million was successfully diverted before authorities could b…
Brazil Opposition to Allow Vote on 40-Hour Work Week PEC, Focus Shifts to Mitigation
- Brazil's opposition will vote to allow a constitutional amendment reducing the standard work week from 44 to 40 hours. - While opposing the amendment's current form, they acknowledge the government …
Apps: Boulos stalls negotiations, opposition challenges Planalto to secure votes in plenary
- Negotiations over the regulation of app-based drivers and delivery workers have stalled in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies. - Minister Guilherme Boulos has halted discussions, deeming the current propo…
Organized Crime CPI Seeks Impeachment of Supreme Court Justices and Prosecutor General
- A final report from a Senate committee investigating organized crime has called for the impeachment of four high-ranking judicial officials, including Supreme Court ministers and the Prosecutor Gene…
Ramagem's US Detention: Deportation, Extradition, or Asylum? Possible Scenarios
- Former Brazilian congressman Alexandre Ramagem has been detained in the US by ICE, facing potential deportation or extradition to Brazil. - Ramagem is convicted in Brazil for crimes including orches…
Brazilian Opposition Rallies to Block PT Candidate for Federal Court of Accounts Amidst Political Maneuvering
- Opposition parties are attempting to consolidate right-wing candidacies for a position on the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) to prevent a PT-backed candidate from winning. - Chamber President Arthu…