Political Turmoil and Institutional Crisis Grip Brazilian Congress in 2025
Brazil's Congress faces escalating political turmoil in 2025, marked by violence, leadership challenges, and tensions with the Supreme Court ahead of the 2026 elections.
- • Violence in Congress highlights deeper legislative 'deinstitutionalization' as noted by political scientist Beatriz Rey.
- • Tensions between the Legislative and Supreme Court intensify due to Congress's failure to enforce rulings, exemplified by the Carla Zambelli case.
- • Only Bolsonarismo faction currently recognizes the importance of the 2026 legislative elections.
- • Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes voted against the constitutionality of the temporal framework for indigenous land demarcation, conflicting with recent congressional actions.
Key details
The Brazilian Congress in 2025 is grappling with significant political challenges and internal conflicts that underscore a broader institutional crisis. Recent violent incidents within Congress, including attacks on journalists and parliament members during a protest, have heightened concerns about the weakening functioning of the legislature. Political scientist Beatriz Rey highlighted this turmoil as part of a deeper trend of "deinstitutionalization," where the Congress is empowered yet increasingly chaotic and dysfunctional. The forceful removal of Deputy Glauber Braga amid protests over his potential mandate cassation exemplifies the legislative body's internal disorder.
Tensions between the Legislative and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) have escalated, fueled by perceived failures of Congress to exercise its responsibilities. A key case illustrating this is the controversial non-cassation of Deputy Carla Zambelli's mandate despite the Supreme Court's ruling, signaling a breakdown in Congress's ability to self-govern and maintain the balance of power. This vacuum has compelled the Supreme Court to intervene more actively, intensifying institutional friction.
Beatriz Rey noted that only the Bolsonarismo faction within Congress seems to fully comprehend the critical importance of the upcoming 2026 legislative elections, whereas other factions have yet to recognize the stakes. She criticized the current Chamber of Deputies president, Hugo Motta, for his ineffective leadership, contrasting him with his predecessor Arthur Lira, who adopted a more authoritarian style to maintain control. Political dynamics suggest a shifting influence of the Centrão, possibly moving away from close ties with the Bolsonaro family as preparations for the next elections unfold.
Separately, Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes has voted against the constitutionality of the temporal framework law for indigenous land demarcation, arguing that it imposes an unfair deadline that disregards historical injustices faced by indigenous communities. This stands in contrast with Congress's recent approval of a constitutional amendment recognizing indigenous territories only as those occupied by 1988, which conflicts with the Court's position and has prompted ongoing legal and political disputes.
The year 2025 thus reflects a fraught political environment in Brazil’s Congress, marked by violence, leadership struggles, institutional clashes with the Supreme Court, and complex legislative battles ahead of a critical election year.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
