Podcast

Explaining Brazil #230: A pivotal moment for Congress

Brazil's House and Senate choose their new leaders today. But don't expect the levels of drama of the election in the U.S. House of Representatives, where 15 rounds of voting were necessary for Kevin McCarthy to win the speakership

The first month of the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration was as eventful as they come. One week into his term, Lula faced a major institutional crisis, with hordes of far-right radicals storming government buildings and trying to stage a coup. He is also having to deal with market distrust and a grave indigenous health emergency.

But month number two will also start with a bang.

The new Congress takes office today, on February 1, and both chambers will elect their leadership for the next two years. The outcome of these two elections — especially in the Senate, where there is more room for drama — will be pivotal to the success or failure of Lula’s third term.

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In this episode:

  • Cedê Silva is a Brasília correspondent for The Brazilian Report. He has worked for O Antagonista, O Estado de S.Paulo, Veja BH, and YouTube channel MyNews.

Background reading on the Brazilian Congress:

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