Lula Vetoes Border-Zone Rural Land Bill In Full

Overview

• The veto blocks a Congress-approved plan to streamline ratification of rural titles in the 150 km frontier, create a 15-year window for owners to seek ratification, and postpone mandatory georeferencing to December 31, 2028.
• In its message to Congress, the government argued the bill was unconstitutional, would weaken federal oversight in strategic areas, risk foreign irregular occupation, and jeopardize national sovereignty and defense.
• The presidency said the proposal threatened Indigenous rights guaranteed by Article 231 of the Constitution and could breach Brazil’s international commitments.
• It also warned that curbing georeferencing would slow digitalizing the rural land registry and undermine the legal security of property records.
• Lawmakers may attempt to override the veto, which requires absolute majorities of 257 deputies and 41 senators in a joint session.