Opinion

Bolsonaro must conform to Congress to make it to 2022

Bolsonaro is hoping to take advantage of a rare moment of peace in his relationship with Congress. But how long will this last?

Bolsonaro is hoping to take advantage of a rare moment of peace in his relationship with Congress. But how long will this last?
Bolsonaro (center) applauds as House Speaker Arthur Lira talks during an event in the presidential palace. Photo: Alan Santos/PR

After months of instability and murmurs of impeachment circulating in the corridors of Brasília, President Jair Bolsonaro is trying to turn over a new leaf for the remainder of his term, hoping to put squabbles with the Supreme Court and Congress behind him. The order of business is to seize the temporary feeling of harmony in the Legislative branch and try to push through an agenda that will yield positive headlines and get investors excited about Brazil.

Both chambers of Congress have been somewhat pacified after the recent leadership elections, with allies of the president winning the races for House Speaker and Senate President. However, no-one knows how long this relative calm among the branches of government will last. If the past two-plus years of Mr. Bolsonaro’s term are anything to go by, the next crisis is likely to be right around the corner.

In the week that kicked off the legislative year, the government presented lawmakers with a list with 35 priorities for 2021, 20 of which concerned improving the domestic business environment. Reforming the country’s...

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