Brazil’s Congress Outpowers President Ahead of 2026 Election
· World · Hindustan Times, The Economist
In Brazil’s October 4 election, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will face son of former president Flávio Bolsonaro. All 513 seats of the lower house and two‑thirds of the Senate will be contested, while the largest bloc, Centrão, declares neutrality and lets its members support either candidate. Congress now controls 25 % of discretionary spending, a sharp rise from 2 % in 2015, giving it a powerful check on the executive. The legislature’s influence grew after the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and during the terms of Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, who granted lawmakers control of budget lines to avoid impeachment. Lula’s prospects are viewed by many as contingent on court and congressional approval, while Bolsonaro has been imprisoned on charges of attempting a coup in 2022.
Why it matters
Brazil’s political balance will influence future policy on the economy and social programmes, affecting millions of voters and investors. Changes in congressional power could alter the stability of Brazil’s democracy, which matters to the global markets and international partners.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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