Brazil Politics: Lula's Tone Surprises Government, House Speaker

(Bloomberg) -- Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's speech was considered overly aggressive by Lower House Speaker Rodrigo Maia, as well as by leaders from Lula's own Workers' Party, according to local newspapers. The government was also surprised.SurpriseMaia lamented the content of the speech, which Lula gave after leaving jail. He believes the former president left the prison more radical than when he entered, and that will only strengthen current President Jair Bolsonaro, according to O Globo. The speech was considered aggressive by Workers' Party leaders too, according to newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. Fellow party members allegedly heard from judiciary officials that the more radical tone only makes it more difficult for his legal cases to advance serenely. The idea is that the former president's future speeches will be more moderate, reported Folha de S.Paulo.ViolenceThe remarks that bothered the government the most, according to newspaper Estado, were that the country needs to follow the example of Chile and Bolivia: to attack and not just defend itself. Bolsonaro's administration sees the former president possibly inciting violence, risking turmoil in the country, said the newspaper.New PartyBolsonaro confirmed late on Monday that he will meet with the PSL lawmakers to discuss the departure and the creation of a new party, according to O Globo. The new party is expected to be called 'Alliance for Brazil.' The campaign may be launched later this week, with a website and an app to collect the required signatures. The ruling party PSL will act on several fronts to prevent the idea from materializing before early next year as municipal elections approach, according to Folha de S.Paulo.DelaysEconomic team members already see difficulty in approving any constitutional amendment later this year, according to Folha de S.Paulo. The announcement of a public sector reform proposal was again postponed. Pension reform will be enacted on Tuesday.Newspaper Top StoriesO Estado de S. Paulo and O GloboNewspapers highlight chaos in Bolivia Folha de S.PauloReports that Bolsonaro decides to leave PSL and start his own partyValor EconomicoHighlights that a monthly tariff may reduce overdraft interest rateTo contact the translation editor responsible for this story: Matthew Malinowski at mmalinowski@bloomberg.netReporter on the original story: Fernando Travaglini in in So Paulo at ftravaglini@bloomberg.netEditors responsible for the original story: Daniela Milanese at dmilanese@bloomberg.net, Josue LeonelFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com2019 Bloomberg L.P.
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