Lula Downplays Rift With Congress After Surprise Vote on Jan. 8 Sentencing Bill

Overview

• The Chamber of Deputies approved a sentencing dosimetry bill in a turbulent, unsignaled session led procedurally by Hugo Motta that could reduce penalties for Jan. 8 defendants, including Jair Bolsonaro, and the text now heads to the Senate.
• The Senate passed a constitutional amendment enshrining the marco temporal for indigenous land claims, sending the measure to the Chamber in a move that runs counter to the president’s position.
• Lula thanked lawmakers for advancing much of his agenda while conceding that congressional support has often fallen short of 100%.
• He urged ministers to prioritize completing PAC works and signaled a broad cabinet reshuffle in March 2026 as officeholders prepare to run for elected posts.
• The president rejected retaliatory governing against opposition officials and acknowledged limited room in Congress for broader income-tax relief.