Today, the outcome of the leadership election in Congress is favorable to President Bolsonaro. What now for outgoing Speaker Rodrigo Maia? Decision on 5G auction delayed due to government demands.
Bolsonaro goes 2 for 2 in Congress races
The Brazilian Congress elected a new Senate President and House Speaker last night, with both races going the way of President Jair Bolsonaro’s allies.
- Senate. First-term Senator Rodrigo Pacheco confirmed his predictable win by a wide 57-21 margin. He has met with Mr. Bolsonaro twice already, and promised “political stability” for the remainder of the president’s term. Go deeper.
- House. The Bolsonaro-backed Arthur Lira won big against the group led by outgoing Speaker Rodrigo Maia. Without the need for a runoff, Mr. Lira got 302 votes against just 145 from his main contender, Baleia Rossi. Go deeper.
Why it matters. With allies in charge of both houses of Congress, Jair Bolsonaro will be able to muffle calls for his impeachment and could cement his coalition ahead of the 2022 election.
Yes, but … The win has already cost the government hundreds of millions in budgetary grants to buy the support of congressmen. And that is not all, President Bolsonaro will also...