A new political chapter is unfolding in Brazil’s political landscape. Fernando Francischini, president of the Solidariedade party in Paraná state, officially filed an impeachment request against the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). The document, registered last Friday (24th), brings accusations ranging from poor economic management to alleged suppression of free speech.

Although impeachment requests are relatively common in Brazilian politics, this one stands out for its detailed focus on budgetary and fiscal issues. Additionally, the accusations include sensitive topics such as social media regulation and government spending on official trips.

What Are the Main Accusations in the Impeachment Request?

The document presented by Francischini lists four main categories of violations that, according to him, constitute crimes of responsibility. Let’s analyze each one in detail.

The Four Categories of Violations Pointed Out

• Attack on budgetary law: Related to how the government has been managing public finances
• Administrative misconduct: Accusations of mismanagement and improper use of public resources
• Attack on individual and social rights: Especially linked to the proposal to regulate social media
• Attack on internal security: Issues related to the country’s economic stability

According to Francischini, these accusations “do not represent mere technical mistakes or political disagreements, but constitute a deliberate and systematic attack on the Federal Constitution.” Therefore, in the politician’s view, these are serious violations that would justify the president’s removal.

The Focus on Economic and Budgetary Management

Although the impeachment request addresses various topics, the document concentrates its attention mainly on the economic scenario. According to the complaint, President Lula allegedly orchestrated “a multifaceted and deliberate strategy to subvert congressional control over public finances.”

The Postal Service Case: R$ 4.4 Billion Loss

One of the central points of the accusation concerns the financial hole in the Correios (Brazilian Postal Service). During the first half of 2025, the state-owned company accumulated losses of R$ 4.4 billion. This amount represents a significant deterioration in the company’s financial situation.

Furthermore, critics argue that this situation puts at risk not only the sustainability of Correios but could also generate broader fiscal impacts for the federal government. The company is responsible for essential mail and logistics services throughout the national territory.

Pé de Meia Program: R$ 12.5 Billion Without Proper Registration

Another point highlighted in the impeachment request refers to irregularities in the execution of the Pé de Meia Program. This social program pays monthly installments to low-income students in the public school system, with the goal of reducing school dropout rates.

However, according to the complaint, the program went through the budget without being registered as a primary expense and without going through the National Treasury’s Single Account. The impact on the 2025 budget is estimated at R$ 12.5 billion.

Consequently, this form of accounting allegedly allowed the government to execute spending without proper parliamentary control and without officially impacting public accounts in the expected manner.

The Change in Fiscal Target: From Surplus to Possible Deficit

One of the most controversial aspects pointed out in the document concerns the change in the fiscal target for 2025. This issue is particularly sensitive because it directly affects the country’s economic credibility.

How the Original Target Worked

Initially, the government had established a primary surplus target of 0.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This would mean that government revenues would exceed expenses, excluding interest payments on public debt.

However, later, this target was changed to a neutral result. This already represents a significant shift in fiscal expectations.

The Tolerance Range and the Potential Deficit

Additionally, there’s a tolerance range provided in fiscal legislation. Considering this range, President Lula and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad admit the possibility of a deficit in the order of R$ 30.9 billion.

Therefore, what started as a promise of surplus has turned into the possibility of a significant deficit. For critics, this demonstrates a lack of commitment to fiscal responsibility and could compromise the country’s economic stability.

Spending on Official Trips: R$ 4.58 Billion Under Debate

Another sensitive point in the impeachment request refers to spending on official trips. Francischini classifies this as “ostentation and contempt for public funds” — in other words, disregard for taxpayer money.

Comparison with the Previous Government

According to the document, the current government spent R$ 4.58 billion on official trips. What makes this number even more striking is the comparison: this amount would be higher than the total spent during the four years of the previous administration.

On one hand, government supporters might argue that presidential trips are important for diplomacy and promoting Brazil’s interests abroad. On the other hand, critics question whether these expenses are proportional to the benefits obtained, especially in a context of fiscal adjustment.

The Context of Fiscal Austerity

This point gains even more relevance when we consider that the government has been defending spending containment measures in other areas. When citizens are called to tighten their belts, high spending on official trips can generate negative perception in public opinion.

Accusations Related to Freedom of Speech

Although the main focus of the impeachment request is economic, the document also addresses issues related to freedom of speech. This is a topic that has generated heated debates in Brazilian society.

The Proposal to Regulate Social Media

According to Francischini, “the accused has presided over a government that not only tolerates but actively fosters an environment of curtailment of free speech and persecution of dissenting voices.”

As the main example, he cites the Lula government’s proposal to regulate social media. The official justification is to combat misinformation and protect democracy. However, critics argue that “the proposal, under the pretext of combating misinformation, creates mechanisms that give the State the power to control what can be said in the digital environment.”

The Dilemma Between Security and Freedom

This is a complex debate that divides opinions. On one hand, there are legitimate concerns about misinformation, hate speech, and threats to democracy spread on social media. On the other hand, there’s fear that excessive regulations could be used to censor legitimate criticism of the government.

Therefore, finding the right balance between protecting society from harmful content and preserving freedom of speech is one of the great challenges of contemporary democracies.

How Does the Impeachment Process Work in Brazil?

To better understand the meaning of this request, it’s important to know the impeachment process provided for in Brazilian legislation. Not every impeachment request results in the president’s removal.

The Process Steps

1. Filing the request: Any citizen can submit an impeachment request
2. Analysis by the Chamber president: The president of the Chamber of Deputies decides whether to accept or reject the request
3. Special committee: If accepted, a committee is formed to analyze the accusations
4. Vote in the Chamber: A vote of two-thirds of the deputies (342 out of 513) is needed for the process to move forward
5. Trial in the Senate: If the Chamber approves, the Senate conducts the final trial
6. Final decision: Two-thirds of senators (54 out of 81) must vote for conviction for the president to be removed

As a result, the path between filing a request and the eventual removal of a president is long and requires significant political support.

Political Context: Impeachments in Brazil’s Recent History

Brazil has a recent history marked by impeachment processes. Understanding this context helps to gauge the significance of the current request.

Historical Precedents

First of all, it’s worth remembering that Brazil has gone through two successful impeachment processes in recent decades:

• Fernando Collor (1992): Removed for corruption and running a scheme
• Dilma Rousseff (2016): Removed for “fiscal pedaling” and issuing unauthorized decrees

Additionally, several presidents faced impeachment requests that didn’t prosper, including Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Lula himself in his first term, and Jair Bolsonaro.

The Role of Political Climate

The approval or rejection of an impeachment request depends less on technical-legal aspects and more on the political climate. If the president maintains solid support in Congress, the chances of impeachment succeeding are minimal.

On the other hand, when a president loses political support, even more questionable accusations can gain enough strength to move forward.

The Federal Government’s Response

As of this article’s publication, the federal government has not yet officially commented on the impeachment request. The Attorney General’s Office, the Chief of Staff’s Office, and the Comptroller General’s Office were contacted, but no response has been received yet.

Typically, when impeachment requests emerge, governments usually adopt one of three strategies:

1. Minimize importance: Treating the request as just one among many and highlighting that it lacks political support
2. Technical refutation: Presenting detailed rebuttals of each accusation
3. Mobilize political base: Working with allies in Congress to ensure the request doesn’t prosper

Consequently, it will be important to follow how the presidential palace will react in the coming weeks.

Analysis: What Are the Real Chances of Success?

Although the impeachment request has been filed, it’s important to make a realistic analysis of its chances of succeeding. Several factors need to be considered.

Factors Favorable to the Government

• Parliamentary base: Lula still maintains a significant support base in the National Congress
• Opposition fragmentation: The opposition is not unified around a common strategy
• Political moment: There’s no massive popular movement calling for impeachment
• Legal precedents: Some accusations may be questioned from a technical-legal standpoint

Risk Factors for the Government

On the other hand, there are some elements that deserve attention:

• Economic deterioration: If the fiscal situation worsens significantly, political support may diminish
• Additional scandals: New revelations could strengthen the impeachment movement
• Popular pressure: Mass demonstrations could alter congressmen’s political calculations

Therefore, although current chances of success are low, the situation could change depending on political and economic developments in the coming months.

Final Thoughts: Between Politics and Public Management

The impeachment request against President Lula raises important questions about public management, fiscal responsibility, and democratic limits. Regardless of its probability of success, the document serves as a thermometer of existing political tensions in the country.

On one hand, it’s legitimate for the opposition to use constitutional mechanisms to question government acts they consider irregular. This is part of the democratic game and the separation of powers.

On the other hand, it’s essential that accusations of such gravity be based on solid evidence and not be instrumentalized merely as a political tool.

As a result, it will be up to the National Congress, control bodies, and ultimately Brazilian society to evaluate the merit of these accusations. Democratic debate must prevail, always respecting institutions and the rule of law.

What do you think about this impeachment request? Do you believe the accusations are well-founded or do they represent just another chapter of political polarization? Share your opinion in the comments!

Sources and References:

• Presidency of the Republic
• Chamber of Deputies
• Ministry of Finance
• Federal Court of Accounts
• Correios (Brazilian Postal Service)