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
Lula tells interim governor to arrest 'thieves' and 'militiamen' who control Rio de Janeiro state
- Brazilian President Lula praised interim Rio de Janeiro Governor Ricardo Couto, calling his appointment correct. - Lula urged Couto to "arrest all the thieves" governing the state and the deputies i…
Lula tells Rio governor: 'Work to arrest all the thieves'
- Brazilian President Lula urged the interim governor of Rio de Janeiro to crack down on organized crime and militias. - Lula stated that the state's leaders should focus on arresting criminals who ha…
Aldo Rebelo Contests Party Expulsion, Vows to Continue Presidential Pre-Campaign
- Former minister Aldo Rebelo insists he remains affiliated with the DC party and continues his presidential pre-campaign. - The DC national leadership decided to expel Rebelo, but he claims he has no…
Evidence Suggests 'Rachadinha' Scheme in Deputy Mário Frias's Office Involving Former Employee
- Evidence suggests that a former employee of federal deputy Mário Frias engaged in 'rachadinha,' a scheme where public funds are allegedly embezzled. - Bank transfer receipts indicate the ex-employee…
Brazil's Samara Martins, Sole Female Presidential Pre-Candidate, Polls at 3%
- Samara Martins, a pre-candidate for Brazil's presidency from the UP party, has achieved 3% of voter intention in a Datafolha poll. - She is the only woman currently pre-running for the presidency an…
PCC-linked businessmen strike plea deal in Bahia tax evasion probe
- Two businessmen, identified as Roberto Augusto Lemes da Silva (
DC party video presents Joaquim Barbosa as presidential hopeful
- The DC party released a video on social media presenting former STF minister Joaquim Barbosa as their presidential candidate. - The video uses AI and features Barbosa stating 'it's time to turn the …
Lula says he will veto bill that opens door to mass messaging in elections
- Brazilian President Lula has pledged to veto any bill allowing mass messaging, including automated bots, during election periods. - The proposed legislation, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, wou…
Flávio Bolsonaro's potential campaign manager would need Uruguay-Brazil air bridge
- Publicist Eduardo Fischer is reportedly being considered to lead the presidential campaign of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. - Fischer, who resides in Uruguay, would need to establish an air bridge betwe…
Brazil Court Upholds Conviction of Influencer Allan dos Santos for Slander
- Brazil's Superior Court of Justice (STJ) upheld the conviction of influencer Allan dos Santos for slandering filmmaker Estela Renner. - Dos Santos was sentenced to 1 year, 7 months, and 1 day in pri…
PL files complaint against Lula at TSE for alleged misuse of state resources
- Brazil's Liberal Party (PL) filed a complaint with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. - The PL alleges Lula used public resources and official communicat…
With Support Ranging from PSOL to PL, Lawmakers Introduce Bills That Could Cripple Online Betting
- A group of Brazilian lawmakers has introduced two bills aimed at restricting the operation of online betting sites in the country. - The proposed legislation includes a ban on advertising on social …
Two Brazils in the elections
- Brazil's upcoming presidential election is perceived as a stark division between center-left and right-wing supporters, dominated by President Lula and an heir of Jair Bolsonaro. - However, a politi…
Flávio Bolsonaro changes campaign manager after Dark Horse case
- Flávio Bolsonaro has changed his campaign manager following controversy over his relationship with Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master. - Marcello Lopes, a friend of Bolsonaro, will no longer work…
Is Flávio Bolsonaro's Candidacy at Risk? TSE Ministers Weigh In
- Flávio Bolsonaro's political candidacy faces potential hurdles due to his alleged financial ties with Daniel Vorcaro, linked to the Banco Master scandal. - While legally there is currently no impedi…
AI in the Judicial Process: Cognition Versus Algorithms
- Two lawyers in Brazil's Pará state are accused of attempting to bypass an AI system in a labor court by inserting hidden commands into their legal filings. - The technique, known as 'prompt injectio…
Lulinha's defense to seek probe dismissal, draws comparison with Flávio Bolsonaro case
- Fabio Luís Lula da Silva, son of Brazilian President Lula, is under investigation for alleged fraud in INSS (National Social Security Institute) contribution discounts. - His defense team is prepari…
After Gilmar's criticism, Zema reacts: ‘Real Brazil doesn’t speak fancy Portuguese’
- Minas Gerais ex-governor Romeu Zema, a presidential hopeful, outlined an "implacable" plan for a potential government, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and privatization. - Zema responded to critic…
Caiado: 'Contaminated' by Banker Vorcaro Unfit for Presidency
- Ronaldo Caiado, a presidential hopeful, criticized individuals "contaminated" by Daniel Vorcaro, implying they lack the stature for the presidency. - Caiado's remarks followed revelations about Sena…
PT bloc seeks Alcolumbre to pave way for Lula meeting, unblock government agenda
- The PT bloc in the Senate has approached Senate President Davi Alcolumbre to arrange a meeting between him and President Lula. - The goal is to mend relations and ensure crucial government legislati…
Bolsonaro Film Producer Says 90% of Costs Funded by Investigated Banker
- The film 'Dark Horse,' produced by members of the Liberal Party (PL) to tell the story of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has incurred costs of approximately R$ 65.7 million (US$ 13 million). - Ove…
CNJ says judge is not a 'rubber stamp' and denies prosecutors' action to manage settlement money
- The National Justice Council (CNJ) ruled that judges, not prosecutors, have the authority to manage funds from plea bargains and non-prosecution agreements. - The decision rejected an attempt by 70 …
Flávio Bolsonaro's Support Crumbles in Southeast; Lula Gains Momentum
- A new poll shows Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's support in Brazil's Southeast region, a traditional stronghold, has dropped significantly, losing 10 percentage points in one month. - The decline coincid…
Flávio Bolsonaro Asks TSE to Suspend Poll Showing Drop in Vote Intent
- Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign has asked the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to suspend the release of an Atlas/Bloomberg poll. - The poll reportedly shows a six-point drop in Bolsonaro's second-round i…
Brazil's Supreme Court Authorizes Operation Over Leaked Contract Data
- Brazil's Supreme Court authorized a police operation to investigate the alleged leak of information regarding a contract involving the wife of Justice Moraes. - The operation led to the suspension o…
Brazil Election Focus Shifts to Parliamentary Amendments and Their Electoral Power
- The upcoming Brazilian general election's focus on proportional representation, particularly for the Chamber of Deputies, is being overshadowed by the presidential race. - Parliamentary amendments, …
Opposition exploits Lula's security woes; government highlights fight against 'upper-class' crime
- Brazil's opposition is set to exploit President Lula's low approval ratings on public security, a key concern for voters. - The government plans to highlight its efforts against crime, particularly …
Banco Master crises interrupt Flávio Bolsonaro's positive streak and test his campaign
- Three cases linking Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign to Banco Master have disrupted his positive momentum and forced him onto the defensive. - Allies are concerned that the campaign has not …
Flávio Bolsonaro sought R$134 million from Banco Master owner for Jair Bolsonaro biopic, report says
- Flávio Bolsonaro allegedly sought R$134 million from Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro for a Jair Bolsonaro biopic. - Vorcaro was arrested attempting to flee Brazil shortly after promising the funds…
New Datafolha Poll on Presidential Election Due Saturday
- A new Datafolha poll on the presidential election will be released on Saturday, May 16. - The poll includes voting intentions for the first and second rounds, candidate rejection rates, and an asses…
Former Supreme Court Justice Joaquim Barbosa Joins DC Party, Eyes Presidency
- Former Supreme Court Justice Joaquim Barbosa has joined the Christian Democracy (DC) party. - The DC party intends to nominate him as their presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. - Barbo…
Former Minister José Dirceu Diagnosed with Lymphoma, Begins Treatment in São Paulo
- Former Minister of Civil Affairs José Dirceu has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is undergoing treatment at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo. - Dirceu, who is a pre-candidate for federal dep…
Brazil's Supreme Court Investigates Funds for Bolsonaro Film
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino has opened a confidential preliminary investigation into parliamentary amendments intended for a production company behind a film about former President Ja…
Flávio Bolsonaro's Alleged Request for Campaign Funds from Fraud Figure Threatens Father's Presidential Bid
- Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is implicated in a conversation allegedly requesting funds from an individual involved in financial fraud. - The funds were reportedly for a film project about his father, f…
Producers of Bolsonaro film sought millions from businessmen
- Producers of a film about Jair Bolsonaro sought funding from various businessmen. - Individuals linked to federal deputy Mário Frias approached private sector representatives sympathetic to Bolsonar…
Zema calls Flávio Bolsonaro's alleged deal with ex-banker 'unforgivable'
- Brazil's presidential hopeful Romeu Zema called Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's alleged negotiation with former banker Daniel Vorcaro
Flávio Bolsonaro Admits Seeking Film Funds, Denies Improper Benefits Amidst Banco Master Probe
- Senator Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed he asked Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro for private funding for a film about his father, Jair Bolsonaro. - He denied receiving any personal advantages from the …
TSE President Kassio Nunes Marques sings samba at inauguration party; most STF justices absent
- Kassio Nunes Marques, the new president of the TSE, celebrated his inauguration with a samba party featuring musical performances. - The event saw a low turnout from Supreme Court (STF) ministers, w…
Court orders PL leader Valdemar Costa Neto to pay damages to PT for blaming party for Jan. 8 riots
- A Brazilian court ordered Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL), to pay R$20,000 in moral damages to the Workers' Party (PT). - Costa Neto had blamed the PT for the January 8, 202…
Shielded by the STF, 'penduricalho' boosts salaries and pays R$ 31 million to state prosecutors in SP
- State prosecutors in São Paulo, Brazil, received R$ 31 million in 'permanence bonuses' in March, significantly boosting their salaries. - This benefit, paid to those eligible for retirement but choo…
STF revokes decision that took down report on Dallagnol's ineligibility
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino overturned an electoral court's decision to remove a report on Deltan Dallagnol's ineligibility. - The original ruling had also prohibited further publicat…
Bolsonaro's Bid to Overturn Coup Conviction Assigned to Supreme Court Justice
- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Kassio Nunes Marques has been assigned as the rapporteur for Jair Bolsonaro's criminal review request. - Bolsonaro's defense seeks to overturn a 27-year sentence for a…
PF Operation Against Ciro Nogueira Could Impact PP's Election Alliances; See Behind the Scenes
- The Federal Police have launched an operation targeting Ciro Nogueira, the national president of the Progressive Party (PP) and a key figure in Brazil's political center. - Nogueira, a former minist…
Vanguard News Lists All 48 Head Coaches for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 participating countries. - The article provides a comprehensive list of all head coaches for these nations. - Coaches are responsible for team tactics, squad …
Justice system rejects action against councilor who said dictatorship should have killed more
- A São José dos Campos city councilor, Thomaz Henrique, will not face a civil lawsuit for stating that the 1964-1985 military dictatorship should have "killed more" communists. - The Paulista Justice…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…