Lula’s security PEC is “trap” to states, says Caiado

The governor of Goiás and pre-candidate for the Planalto Palace in 2026, Ronaldo Caiado (União Brasil), classified as a “trap” the proposal of amendment to the Constitution (PEC) of Public Security delivered by the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (8).

The text, Ricardo Lewandowski, was presented to the mayor, Hugo Motta (Republicans-PB), who promised “total priority” in the processing.

During an event in Brasilia, Caiado stated that the project represents an attempt by the federal government to concentrate power at the Ministry of Justice, to the detriment of the autonomy of states. “We know how to interpret what is written. It is clear that the government wants to impose rules and broaden its interference on state security forces,” he said.

The statement was made during the inauguration of Deputy Carol de Toni (PL-SC) as president of the Parliamentary Front of Free Market. At the time, the sketch of an alternative “public security package”, which will still be presented to the Chamber, was announced.

What does PEC predict?

Among the main points of PEC are:

• Expansion of Federal Police (PF) skills to act in environmental crimes, militia actions and criminal organizations with interstate or international repercussions;
• Creation of Road Policewhich will replace the Federal Highway Police (PRF) and will have exclusive performance on federal highways, railways and waterways;
• National Security Standardizationwith integration of all forces – from the PF to the municipal guards – respecting the recent understanding of the Supreme Court that the guards can do ostensible policing;
• Creation of autonomous ombudsmenwith investigation power on police conduct;
• Separate maintenance of National Security and Penitentiary Fundsafter requests from governors, with sealing to contingency.

Next Steps

Opposition governors, such as Caiado, and part of Congress show concern about the possible loss of state control over their police forces.

The federal government states that the text does not allow this kind of interference, and that the changes aim to improve the national articulation in combating organized crime.

The proposal will be analyzed first by the Chamber Constitution and Justice Commission. If considered constitutional, it will go to a special committee, which may propose changes and will later be voted on two shifts in the plenary. If approved, you will still need to go through the Senate.