Interim president says that Brazil “has the logic of reciprocity”, but that it is necessary to wait for the consequences of the expulsion of a PF delegate
The interim president (PSB) stated this Tuesday (April 21, 2026) that Brazil must wait for developments in the case that could lead to the expulsion of the United States Federal Police chief, before adopting any retaliatory measure.
The statement comes hours after the president (PT) in retaliating against the USA with “reciprocity” for the episode. Lula stated, from Europe, that Brazil will not accept “interference” American and which will respond in kind if there is abuse against Brazilian agents.
Regarding the North American issue, this is a decision by the North American government, let’s wait. (…) Brazil always has the logic of reciprocity, I think we should wait”Alckmin declared to journalists in Brasília.
Delegate Marcelo Ivo has worked as a PF liaison officer in Miami since 2023, with his mission extended until August 2026. The US State Department accused him of trying to manipulate the immigration system to speed up the extradition process of the former deputy (PL-RJ), sentenced by the STF to 16 years in prison for his involvement in the 2022 coup attempt.
Ramagem was arrested on April 13 during a traffic stop and released two days later. The Brazilian government hoped that the arrest would result in deportation, but the former congressman remains in the US.
BRB case
Asked about investigations linked to BRB (Banco Regional de Brasília), Alckmin defended that the process should proceed with “speed”, but it is necessary to wait for the investigations before reaching any conclusion.
The public bank in the Federal District is the target of the Federal Police’s Operation Compliance Zero. The investigations investigate irregular operations involving Banco Master, liquidated by the Central Bank, which may have caused a loss of more than R$50 billion. In the last phase of the operation, on April 16, the PF arrested Paulo Henrique Costa, former president of the BRB.
The federal government itself has already signaled that it does not intend to rescue the bank. Minister José Guimarães (Institutional Relations) “radically contrary” to any federal aid to the institution. The Treasury also opposes the measure.
The interim president, in the statement, drew a parallel with the Master case. “In the case of Master, it has already been closed, it was liquidated by the Central Bank. It is extremely serious, because it is not 50 thousand reais, it is more than 50 billion that were diverted, criminally”stated Alckmin.
Blouse fee
Regarding the collection of taxes on low-value international purchases — nicknamed the “blouse tax”, Alckmin stated that the government has not changed its position. “No decision has been made”these.
The debate about repealing the 20% tax on international purchases of up to US$50 has gained momentum in recent days. On April 14, Lula himself called the measure “unnecessary”. On the 16th, Minister Guimarães put an end to the tax, while Minister Guilherme Boulos (General Secretariat) classified the repeal as “possible”.
Alckmin reiterated the argument that even with taxation, the rate on imported products is still lower than that charged to national manufacturers. The measure was approved by Congress via amendment and converted into law.
