Lula Government Launches New Initiatives to Tackle Public Security Crisis in Brazil
Two major public security initiatives are launched by Lula's government to address Brazil's crime challenges amid public skepticism and legislative hurdles.
- • Ministry of Justice launches Antifacção bill proposing harsher criminal legislation and economic penalties targeting organized crime.
- • 'Município Mais Seguro' program finances R$ 170 million for municipal guards' equipment, hires, and training.
- • 38% of Brazilians view Lula's government negatively on security; violence is the top public concern according to surveys.
- • The Public Security PEC is stalled in Congress facing criticism over federal power centralization; government aims for passage by year-end.
Key details
On October 22, 2025, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration, unveiled two key initiatives aimed at improving public safety — a pressing concern for Brazilians. The first is the Antifacção bill, which proposes significant changes to criminal legislation including new categories of crime, enhanced penalties, and stricter economic measures targeting organized crime activities such as asset seizures from suspects and third parties. Although currently with the Civil House pending congressional submission, the bill reflects an effort to bolster the legal framework against crime.
The second initiative is the "Município Mais Seguro" program, which allocates R$ 170 million to support 215 municipal guards across Brazil. Funds will be used for acquiring non-lethal weapons, employing new personnel, and training existing guards to strengthen local security forces.
These moves come amidst public skepticism: a Genial/Quaest survey conducted in April revealed that 38% of Brazilians rate Lula's government negatively on public security, with only 25% expressing positive views. Furthermore, violence tops citizens' concerns, surpassing social and economic issues, according to an October survey. Security expert Guaracy Mingardi noted that public safety remains a central issue in electoral politics.
The government also faces roadblocks with the Public Security Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC), currently stalled in the Chamber of Deputies. Some governors criticize it for centralizing security authority federally. President Hugo Motta expressed hope for its passage by year-end.
Minister of Justice Ricardo Lewandowski emphasized enhancing intelligence and adopting strategic crime-fighting approaches over brute force. However, the pro-gun "bancada da bala" faction has dismissed portions of the plan as redundant, critiquing the lack of a dedicated agency to combat organized crime, as stated by Deputy Alberto Fraga.
These efforts underscore the Lula administration's recognition of public security as a critical priority requiring comprehensive legal and operational reforms to address pervasive violence and restore public confidence.