The Chamber’s Finance and Taxation Committee approved, this Monday (April 13, 2026), a favorable opinion to the 7 names nominated to fill the open position at the TCU (Federal Audit Court).
At this stage of the process, the panel limits itself to technical analysis. The hearing serves to certify that all nominees comply with constitutional requirements and are able to exercise the functions of external control of public administration.
With the approval of the commission, the candidates now go to the plenary vote. The vote, which is secret, will be held on Tuesday (14 April). The candidate who obtains a simple majority of votes will be considered elected.
The name of the chosen person becomes a PDL that needs to be approved by a vote in the Senate.
ODAIR TRIES TO DISTAG HIMSELF FROM THE GOVERNMENT
Favorite to take office and nominated by the PT, deputy Odair Cunha (MG) tried to free his name from a government candidate.
Supported by 11 parties and Mayor Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), the Minas Gerais native stated that his candidacy does not belong to anyone. He said that the work ahead of the Court will be “technical and serious”.
“My candidacy has a clear meaning. It does not belong to the government, it does not belong to my party, it does not belong to the opposition”he declared.
Here is what the other candidates said during the hearing:
- Adriana Ventura (Novo-SP): focused on health and resource monitoring. He defended that the TCU acts in a more consultative than punitive manner and praised the progress in the traceability of funds, stating that Congress should not retreat in controlling the Budget in the face of external interventions;
- Danilo Forte (União-CE): criticized what he called “discretionary assessment” from the Executive on the payment of amendments. The deputy recalled his experience as LDO rapporteur and defended a dynamic and plural Budget, attacking the “manipulation” in the nominations and cited the PT’s resistance to Congress’s budgetary autonomy;
- Elmar Nascimento (União-BA): argued that the imposition of amendments is a path that ensures independence for the Legislature, regardless of the government’s ideology. He said more transparency was needed, however, he highlighted that the congressman is the one who knows the reality of the cities and municipalities to which the funds are transferred. He also criticized what he considers to be excesses of other Powers against deputies and senators;
- Gilson Daniel ( Podemos-ES ): focused on showing a technical profile, based on his training in accounting. He defended the creation of a more structured cost system in public administration and avoided ideological statements;
- Hugo Leal (PSD-RJ): recalled his role as rapporteur of the 2022 Budget and proposed greater synergy between Congress and the TCU. For him, the Court of Auditors should be a guiding and preparing body, which helps to “disengage” public accounts to unlock investments.
- Soraya Santos (PL-RJ): defended a change focused on the quality of spending instead of just cutting expenses. The deputy, supported by senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), also used the historical need for greater female representation in the court, which has only had two women in 133 years.
PL wants to unify the right
The leader of the PL in the Chamber, Sóstenes Cavalcante, said that there is a movement, led by senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), to unify the opposition and launch a right-wing candidate. The pre-candidate must talk to party leaders to come up with a name.
The understanding is that several candidates can give an advantage to the PT nominee, deputy Odair Cunha (MG), who already has the support of 11 parties and the president of the House, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB).
VACANCY AT TCU
The position is strategic, since the TCU is the body responsible for overseeing the Executive Branch’s accounts and assisting Congress in external control of public administration.
The position of minister of the Court is for life, with compulsory retirement at age 75, and offers the same salary level and prerogatives as a minister of the Superior Court of Justice.
The TCU is made up of 9 ministers. Among the members, 3 are appointed by the President of the Republic and 6 by Congress. The vacancy left by Aroldo Cedraz, who retired, is part of the Chamber’s quota.
