Weekly Report - 13 February 2025 (WR-25-06)

A constitutional amendment proposal (PEC) submitted to the lower chamber of congress proposes changing Brazil from a presidential republic to a semi-presidential system. The former president of the lower chamber, Arthur Lira (2021-2025), was a vocal supporter of the proposed reform to dilute the authority of the executive by creating a new prime ministerial role. Lira’s successor, Hugo Motta, has also expressed support for the idea of semi-presidentialism. Now that the PEC has been submitted to be reviewed by lawmakers, the legislation could be another tool for sabre-rattling that congress can use to intimidate the government if tensions erupt between the executive and legislative branches.