Congress Leadership Signals to Vote for Lesser Sentence for Bolsonaro If CPI Pressure For Master Cools Down
The Brazilian Congress leadership has suggested they may vote on a bill reducing prison sentences for convicted coup participants, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, if pressure to establish a parliamentary inquiry into Banco Master eases.
The leadership of Brazil's National Congress hinted that it may convene a session in early March to assess the veto on a bill aimed at reducing sentences for those convicted of participating in a coup, known as the Dosimetria Project. This development is contingent upon diminishing pressure for a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) regarding Banco Master. The proposal could significantly lessen the time that former President Jair Bolsonaro would serve in prison, potentially reducing his sentence from a range of 6 to 8 years down to anywhere between 2 years and 4 months, depending on the interpretation of the law.
In order to evaluate presidential vetoes, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre must call a joint session of senators and deputies. However, in these sessions, he also has the responsibility to address requests for establishing parliamentary inquiry commissions, which he is keen to avoid. Since the start of the legislative session, Alcolumbre has been attempting to delay the meeting and buy time. Additionally, the Speaker of the Chamber, Hugo Motta, is also hesitant to initiate any CPIs, indicating a strategic maneuvering within Congress to avoid potential scrutiny and investigations that may arise from such commissions.
This situation underscores the tense political climate in Brazil, particularly regarding the accountability of previous government officials following the Bolsonaro administration. The proposed reduction of sentences for coup-related crimes reflects ongoing debates about how to handle the legacy of the former president's rule and the implications of judicial actions on political stability in the country. As the political landscape evolves, the interplay between legislative action and public pressure will be crucial in determining future accountability measures and the overall direction of governance in Brazil.