Lula backs Motta and Alcolumbre re-elections, sets Congress agenda

President Lula has informed congressional leaders Hugo Motta and Davi Alcolumbre that his party will support their re-election as heads of the Chamber and Senate in February 2027, seeking to secure governability in a more conservative legislature. The meeting occurred Monday at the presidential residence, one day after Lula's re-election. The strategy aims to counterbalance the strengthened opposition led by Flávio Bolsonaro's PL party, which has promised intense resistance and may challenge Alcolumbre's Senate leadership bid. Lula also requested Senate action on a security constitutional amendment, pledging to create a Security Ministry upon its passage. He has shifted to supporting lowering the criminal age of responsibility to 16 for heinous crimes, though wants the amendment voted without modifications first.