Lula Vetoes Bill Raising Entry Age for Military Police and Firefighters

Overview

• The veto, published in the Diário Oficial da União on Jan. 7, blocks national caps of 35 for general entry and 40 for medical careers.
• The government argued a uniform age limit violates state autonomy, fails the test of reasonableness, and hinders states’ personnel management.
• The text will be reviewed in a joint session of Congress, where overturning the veto requires an absolute majority in both chambers.
• Until any override, the current 30-year maximum for admission to the two corps remains in force.
• The move drew objections in the Chamber of Deputies, with Rep. Capitão Alden (PL-BA) calling the decision a disservice to public security.