Congress Overrides 56 of Lula’s Environmental Licensing Vetoes as President Warns of Trade Risks

Overview

• Lawmakers restored provisions that ease licensing for public and private projects, a priority for agribusiness allies.
• Speaking at the Conselhao in Brasilia, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his vetoes aimed to safeguard access to foreign markets for Brazilian producers.
• The president cautioned that buyers such as China and the European Union could curb purchases of soy, meat and cotton if environmental standards erode.
• Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann said the government is evaluating court action, and Environment Minister Marina Silva said the ministry and the Casa Civil will study regulatory steps.
• The push to bring the vetoes to a vote was led by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, underscoring friction between congressional leaders and the Planalto.