The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies saw a 78% increase in travel expenses in the first year under Hugo Motta's leadership, with payments for meals and lodging rising from R$ 2.1 million to R$ 3.8 million.
In the first year of Hugo Motta's management as the President of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil, travel expenses increased significantly, rising by 78% from R$ 2.1 million in 2024 to R$ 3.8 million in 2025. This substantial increase occurred amidst a backdrop of inflation of about 5%. Notably, the number of federal deputies requesting daily allowances for official travel also surged, with 202 deputies applying for benefits in 2025 compared to 153 the previous year, leading to a total increase in daily allowances from 876 to 1,482.
The destinations for these trips included some of the world's most iconic cities like London, Rome, Geneva, New York, and Buenos Aires, highlighting a trend toward international travel rather than domestic. Interestingly, the list of the top ten travel destinations did not include any Brazilian cities, indicating possibly a preference for international engagements over local affairs. This choice raises questions about priorities and focuses of the Chamber of Deputies regarding their international versus domestic responsibilities.
Particularly noteworthy within this travel report is the mention of Lisbon, which ranked as the top destination for some deputies in 2024 and 2025. It has been linked to events like the "Gilmarpalooza," a legal forum led by Supreme Federal Court Minister Gilmar Mendes. The financial implications and the ongoing trends in travel expenditures by Brazilian politicians may lead to public scrutiny regarding fiscal responsibility and ethical considerations in the management of taxpayer money.
