Former minister says classifying factions as terrorists is a threat to democracy and could hinder investments in Brazil
The retired minister of and former Minister of Justice Ricardo Lewandowski stated this Monday (June 1, 2026) that the United States government’s decision to classify the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations “it could represent an attack on democracy and hinder foreign investment” not Brazil.
The statement was given during the panel “Federative pact: democratic governance and fiscal sustainability”at the 14th Lisbon Forum, in Portugal.
Lewandowski said that a “centralized coordination” in the area of public security.
“We hand over all responsibility for public security to the States […] Today there is organized crime that goes beyond state and national borders. [...] We need to have centralized coordination. Therefore, I proposed the Public Security PEC so that there is coordination between security forces”he stated.
According to him, however, there was a “certain disfigurement” and .
14TH LISBON FORUM
The theme of this year’s Lisbon Forum is “New international order, technology and sovereignty: democratic, economic and social challenges”. All debates will be held from June 1st to 3rd at .
The event will be attended by names such as Gabriel Galípolo, president of the Central Bank, Magda Chambriard, president of Petrobras, and Aloízio Mercadante, president of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development.
The total number of participants at the Lisbon Forum increased from 360 in 2025 to 450 in 2026. It is a record for the event. But the total number of Brazilian authorities fell compared to last year – the only exception is in the Legislature, which will have 2 more congressmen this year. The change in approach to the meeting’s central theme, , is the reason why there are more speakers from other countries and not just Brazil and Portugal.
The 14th Lisbon Forum o High Patronage of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic, given by the Portuguese president to initiatives, events, congresses, projects or celebrations that are considered to be of special public interest, civic, cultural, scientific, social or economic relevance for Portugal.
It is not about providing financing or material support. It is a seal of recognition and institutional prestige.
The distinction, according to the organization of the event, “recognizes the institutional, academic and civic relevance of the event, as well as its contribution to strengthening democratic debate and reflection on contemporary challenges faced by Portugal, Brazil and the international community”.
Read more about the 1st day of the 14th Lisbon Forum:
