Lula articulates 2 government blocs in the Senate – 01/30/2023 – Power

The Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) government articulates the formation of two blocks in the Senate, with about 50 of the 81 senators. One of the blocks would bring together PT, PSD and PSB —with 28 senators— and the other, MDB, União Brasil and PDT —with 22.

According to the leader of the government in the Senate, Jaques Wagner (PT-BA), the talks are still ongoing.

Last week, PL, PP and Republicans announced the formation of a party bloc to boost the candidacy of former government minister Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and elected senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), who is running for president against Rodrigo Pacheco ( PSD-MG). Together, these parties have 23 senators.

Despite the construction of government blocs, the PT bench in the Senate has been fighting to get more space in the committees. According to the arrangement negotiated by Pacheco with the parties that support him, the PT may be without the three committees considered most important in the House.

Former Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP) should remain in the presidency of the CCJ (Constitution and Justice Commission) —through which all matters under discussion pass. The PSD, on the other hand, wants to remain in the CAE (Economic Affairs Commission).

The CRE (Commission on Foreign Affairs) can stay with another former president of the Senate, Renan Calheiros (MDB-AL). Privately, PT members claim that the bench wants the CRE, the CAE and the CAS (Social Affairs Commission).

Part of the PT bench also claims the vice-presidency of the Senate for Humberto Costa (PT-PE). Pacheco wants to keep the emedebista Veneziano Vital do Rêgo (PB) in office. It would be up to the PT to appoint the first secretary of the board of directors, with Rogério Carvalho (PT-SE).

Upon arrival at the dinner hosted by the president of the PL, Valdemar Costa Neto, Marinho stated that he would be able to beat Pacheco if the election were held today. The candidate said he has a good relationship with more than 30 senators with whom he lived when he was a federal deputy and minister.