The Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the revocation of a decree that had permitted the concession of the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins rivers to private entities. This decision was made amid significant internal conflicts within the government, particularly while Lula was on an official trip to South Korea. Key players in this debate included Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sônia Guajajara and Secretary-General of the Presidency Guilherme Boulos, who advocated for the repeal of the decree against opposition from high-ranking officials such as Rui Costa from the Civil House and other ministers associated with agriculture and infrastructure.

The discussions around the decree had been ongoing for at least three months, highlighting deep divisions within Lula's administration. With various factions within the government supporting either the maintenance or repeal of the decree, the internal dynamics reflect broader tensions about environmental policies and the role of private interests in Brazil's natural resource management. The decision to revoke is seen as a significant victory for the environmental and social justice advocates represented by Boulos and Guajajara, potentially signaling a shift in policy direction.

Lula’s choice to side with the progressive elements of his cabinet over the traditional power structures marks a notable deviation from previous months, where such decisions were less common. As Brazil grapples with its environmental challenges, this decision underscores the critical balancing act between development, indigenous rights, and private interests that Lula’s administration must navigate going forward.