The current cohort of state deputies at the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp) has recorded the highest rate of absenteeism on Fridays since 2012. A recent survey by Folha reveals that, from March 2023, when the deputies took office, until February 2026, the assembly canceled 20 Friday sessions due to a lack of quorum. This absence is indicative of a troubling trend, where 17% of all working Fridays have seen session cancellations, excluding holidays and legislative recess periods.

In comparison to the previous legislative term (2019-2022), which recorded 13% absenteeism on Fridays, the current statistics not only reflect a higher frequency of missed sessions but also underline the ongoing issues within the assembly. Both terms have seen 20 days with canceled sessions, yet the earlier term had a lower percentage due to it being based on a completed mandate. The required quorum to initiate a session on a Friday is 12 out of 94 deputies, raising concerns about legislative engagement and accountability.

It is noteworthy that no response was received from the assembly's press office regarding inquiries about these absenteeism rates. The lack of legislative attendance raises significant questions about the commitment of elected officials to their responsibilities, especially given the critical functions of legislative sessions. This pattern of absenteeism may have broader implications on the governance and legislative productivity in the state, reflecting a need for potential reforms to ensure the assembly operates effectively.