Right Dominates Brazilian Senate with Strident Agenda and Will Have Power Over Government Appointments - Folha de S.Paulo

The right will dominate Brazil’s Senate starting in 2027 and is expected to impose a shift in the chamber’s agenda, regardless of who is elected president in the runoff. The group will have the strength to influence government appointments, pressure the judiciary and give greater weight to the conservative social agenda and a tougher approach to public security.

In the Senate, subject-matter committees have final decision-making authority: they can approve bills without sending them to the floor. With 28 senators, the Liberal Party will have the largest caucus and could take control of key committees, such as the Constitution and Justice Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee. It will also have the support of six senators from Republicanos, three from the Novo Party, two from Podemos and one from the more pro-Bolsonaro wing of the Progressistas Party.

If Flávio Bolsonaro is elected on the 25th, he will have the numbers to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court, carry out a reform of the judiciary and pass constitutional amendments. If Lula turns the race around, he will face difficulties even in passing ordinary legislation. The senator plans to adopt the Marco Rubio model, with ambassadors appointed from outside the diplomatic corps.