Brazilian Congress Approves Motions of Repudiation Against President Lula

The Public Security Committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved two motions of repudiation against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in response to his recent statements. The first motion targets Lula's characterization of former President Jair Bolsonaro's sons as "traitors of the homeland," during which he referenced the hanging of Joaquim Silvério dos Reis, a colonial figure known for betraying the national hero Tiradentes. The second motion rebukes Lula for comments about poor people buying stolen cell phones, made during a meeting of the Conselhão (Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development).

The motion regarding the Bolsonaro sons was submitted by Deputy Captain Alden of the Liberal Party (PL), who argued that political opponents should not be treated as enemies of the nation and that references to extreme punishments are incompatible with constitutional principles. Alden also claimed that such rhetoric deepens political polarization. The motion was supported by the opposition bench and is seen as a reaction to Lula's criticism of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and former Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro amid tensions over a possible new tariff imposed by the United States.

On June 2, during an event in Catalão, Goiás, Lula stated: "These sons of Bolsonaro manage to be worse than him. They asked a foreign country to interfere in Brazilian decisions. That is what you must say loud and clear: they are traitors. For less than that, Joaquim Silvério dos Reis, who betrayed Tiradentes, was hanged." The comment prompted Flávio Bolsonaro to file a complaint with the Supreme Federal Court, alleging that Lula's remarks exceeded the bounds of political rhetoric and cannot be dismissed as a mere historical reference.

The second motion, authored by Deputy Alberto Fraga (PL-DF), addresses Lula's comment on June 10 during the Conselhão meeting, when he discussed a government proposal to encourage the return of stolen or stolen cell phones. Lula said: "I know that rich people don't buy stolen phones, but I know that poor people do. Who doesn't like to buy a cheap little thing? Everyone does." Fraga argued that this message improperly associates low-income populations with the crime of receiving stolen goods, asserting that "poverty cannot be confused with a propensity for crime" nor serve as a basis for stigmatizing social groups.

The approvals come as Brazil approaches the 2026 elections, heightening political tensions. The motions reflect ongoing divisions within the country, with conservative forces in Congress continuing to set the political agenda.