Congress Leaders to Skip Jan. 8 Ceremony as Lula Weighs Veto of Sentencing Bill

Overview

• Senate President Davi Alcolumbre will remain in Amapá on vacation and Chamber President Hugo Motta also will not attend the Planalto event, with Motta’s allies calling the date a PT-driven agenda that fuels polarization.
• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to veto at least part of the so‑called dosimetria bill and may use Thursday’s ceremony for the announcement, though allies have advised delaying the act to avoid escalating tensions.
• Reports differ on the veto deadline, with outlets citing either January 11 or January 12 for Lula’s formal decision.
• The bill, approved by both chambers late last year, reduces sentences for those convicted over the Jan. 8, 2023 attacks and has been reported as potentially benefiting Jair Bolsonaro, a claim publicly advanced by deputy Paulinho da Força.
• Supreme Court ministers Edson Fachin, Gilmar Mendes and Cármen Lúcia confirmed attendance, the court scheduled commemorative programming, the PT called nationwide demonstrations focused on Brasília, and some federal ministers remain on recess and will miss the ceremony.