The president’s speeches took place days after Provisional Measure 1303, which provided for an increase in revenue through taxation of fintechs, betting houses and spending cuts, lost its validity due to lack of voting.
During an event commemorating the Teachers’ Daythis Wednesday (15), in Rio de Janeiro, the president (PT) made harsh criticisms of the National Congress, stating that Parliament is experiencing its “lowest moment”. The statements were given in the presence of the President of the Chamber of Deputies, (Republicanos-PB), which generated political embarrassment and reaction behind the scenes in Brasília.
“Hugo is president of this Congress. He knows that this Congress has never had the low level of quality it has until now. This extreme right that was elected in the last election is the worst thing there is,” said Lula during his speech. The president’s speeches took place days after Provisional Measure 1303, which provided for an increase in revenue through taxation of fintechs, betting houses and spending cuts, lost its validity due to lack of voting. At the time, Lula had already stated that Congress did not defeat the government, “but the Brazilian population did”.
The president spoke alongside Hugo Motta, who was also booed by the public. Protesters shouted slogans against the amnesty for those involved in the acts of January 8, 2023, calling for punishment for those accused of an attempted coup. The event, which focused on advertisements for the Mais Professores program, ended up being marked by the exchange of political barbs.
Lula’s statements caused discomfort in the Legislature, especially at a time when the government is trying to rebuild its support base after recent defeats in Congress. While tension grew with the Chamber, Lula met this Wednesday with the president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, at Palácio da Alvorada. The conversation covered sensitive topics for the government, such as voting on vetoes on the General Environmental Licensing Law and negotiations on the Budget Guidelines Law (LDO). The president’s speeches come at a time of political alert for the government, which is trying to rebuild support after the loss of important economic measures and faces resistance in Congress on budgetary and fiscal issues.
