Brazil's Conservative Lawmakers Prepare Sweeping Judicial and Economic Overhaul
Brazil's right-wing lawmakers are mobilizing to reshape the nation's judiciary, economy, and environmental policies, targeting the Supreme Court and stricter security measures.
The political landscape in Brazil is preparing for a significant shift in its policy direction as newly elected lawmakers seek to overhaul the judicial system, economic policy, human rights protections, and environmental regulations. If right-wing and center parties manage to unite, they are expected to hold a working majority in the 513-seat Chamber of Deputies and could potentially secure a supermajority enabling constitutional amendments. A similar trend is emerging in the Senate.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro's Liberal Party increased its presence in the Chamber of Deputies by 23 seats and nearly doubled its Senate seats, largely at the expense of centrist parties. Meanwhile, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's Workers' Party maintained a comparable number of seats, though numbers remain subject to change due to party switching.
Targeting the Supreme Court
A primary objective for Bolsonaro's allies in Congress is to impeach Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The justice headed the investigation that led to Bolsonaro's conviction and imprisonment for an attempted coup. Securing the impeachment would require 54 votes in the Senate, where many lawmakers campaigned explicitly on his removal. Additionally, the next president will have the opportunity to influence the court's composition by appointing at least three new judges.
Right-wing lawmakers are also pushing to curtail the individual powers of Supreme Court justices, arguing that magistrates frequently suspend laws, issue sweeping injunctions, and make far-reaching decisions without full bench approval. Some legislators are also promoting term limits for judges, drawing unexpected support from some leftist factions amid recent court-related scandals.
Stricter Penalties and Public Security
Many newly elected legislators support Bolsonaro's hardline public safety agenda. Proposed measures include lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 and imposing chemical castration on convicted rapists and sex offenders. Certain lawmakers are also seeking to radically transform Brazil's prison system, drawing inspiration from the mass incarceration policies of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.
However, not everyone believes harsher punishments will resolve the nation's crime rates. "The far-right's public safety proposals focus more on responding to public fear than solving the root problem," said Melina Risso, research director at the Igarape Institute. She noted that increasing penalties makes little sense when only 36 percent of homicide cases in the country are solved.
Economic Overhauls, Taxes, and Privatizations
Tackling public spending is another central focus for the right, although specific cuts are rarely detailed. Leftist politicians warn that social welfare programs could be primary targets, mirroring actions taken during Bolsonaro's presidency. Allies of the former president also advocate for corporate tax reductions and the repeal of tax code modifications scheduled to take effect in January. Conversely, Lula's government views a new value-added tax on financial transactions as crucial for preventing fraud.
Supporters of Bolsonaro argue that such measures burden businesses and hinder commercial activity, seeking to abolish hundreds of bureaucratic regulations and decrees. The conservative bloc includes prominent advocates for privatizing state-owned enterprises, expanding agribusiness access to credit, strengthening private land ownership protections, and loosening labor conditions. Some factions even seek to distance Brazil from China, its primary trading partner, and align closer with US President Donald Trump.
The Future of the Amazon and Environmental Policy
One of the most contentious issues remains the future of the Amazon rainforest. Many lawmakers from Bolsonaro's Liberal Party have pledged to advance looser environmental licensing requirements, weaken regulatory bodies, and grant amnesties to individuals who illegally seized public lands. Proponents argue that encouraging economic activity in the Amazon is essential for local livelihoods. According to environmental data, roughly 70 percent of deputies and 80 percent of senators are considered opponents of current climate and environmental policies.
Civil Rights, LGBTQ Issues, and Abortion
The political shift is poised to impact social issues and civil rights significantly. Proposals on the table include restricting transgender access to public facilities, cutting targeted welfare programs, and reducing tailored health services. Lawmakers are also aiming to secure key committee positions to oppose gender-neutral language and enforce biological definitions of women. Furthermore, they intend to challenge affirmative action quotas in universities and public employment while promoting religiously motivated legislation to restrict abortion access and reshape civil liberties.
