The weeks following the definition of the party blocs set the tone for what this new legislature might looks like.
The definition of the presidencies of the commissions of the Federal Senate shows a balanced Senate, despite the scandal that was the election of Davi Alcolumbre (DEM/AP) to the presidency of the Senate. The House of Representatives followed the tradition of define the commissions only after Carnival break. The President of the House of Representatives Rodrigo Maia (DEM/RJ) promised the same position to different parties, causing much negotiation and overbooking of chairs.
Anticipating possible setbacks and the need to articulate the progressive field, civil society organizations invited parliamentarians to sign an application for the creation of the Joint Parliamentary Front in Defense of Democracy and Human Rights.
The proposal aims to create a plural and active front with the participation of society. It can become an important instrument, not only for popular participation, but also as a ratification of the commitment of parliamentarians with the democracy and human rights topics. A propositive front, but also reactive.
Government Reforms
The former deputy Leonardo Quintão (MDB / MG) was replaced by Ana Beatriz Ferreira Groba. He was dismissed as the political coordinator of the parliamentary affairs sub-office of the Civil House. Ana has the task of improving the already shaken dialogue between the Planalto Palace and the National Congress, in order to work on two priorities: pension reform and the “anticrime package”, the most important goal of Jair Bolsonaro’s administration. The permanence of Bolsonaro in power depends in part on the approval of these proposals.
With the same mission, Joice Hasselmann (PSL/SP) was chosen to be the leader of the Bolsonaro administration in the National Congress. Hasselmann is already negotiating amendments and positions to secure support for the pension reform.
With the focus on these two campaign agendas, the Provisional Measure 870 mixed commission wasn’t installed yet. The delay of Congress may prevent important points for civil society from being analyzed and debated. The expiration of the period to analyze the provisional measures blocks the plenary agenda of the legislative houses, which is out of the question by Bolsonaro and his base because it would block the advancement of other proposals.
Executive
While the legislature tries to resume the activities and priority agendas, the Federal Government is working to have approval of the population and support of the National Congress.
The first minister of Bolsonaro administration who was fired used to be the right-hand man of Bolsonaro, Gustavo Bebianno. He was at General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, but he had a disagreement with the president’s son after being publicly called a liar. The premature downturn, which is the third quickest exoneration since the country’s re-democratization, rises the crisis between the ministries and the presidency.
In addition, there are accusations of using “frontmans” in the electoral campaign. And in a short time of government, a research published by the National Confederation of Transport (CNT) pointed out that the positive evaluation of Bolsonaro administration does not exceed 40%.
In this scenario, Jair Bolsonaro tries to show confidence avoiding defeats. However, he is transmitting instability by going back on his decisions when criticized. One example was the withdrawal of Decree 9.690, one month after its publication because of the National Congress reaction against it.
Another significant move was the sign by the Government Secretariat to support the change to the Provisional Measure 870, after strong pressure from social movements, Federal Court of Justice action by the Rede Party and technical note of the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (PFDC), which emphasize the unconstitutionality of the measure.
The change was also amended by Mrs Bia Kicis (PSL/DF) bill, who is from the party of the President.
Between defeat and going back in decisions already taken, what seems less weak?
March 08, 2019
Andresa Porto – Political Scientist and collaborator of the GTPI