São Paulo Governor’s Push for Bolsonaro amnesty gains Traction in Congress
Brasília – february 9, 2025 – A coordinated effort led by São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans-SP) to secure an amnesty vote for former President Jair Bolsonaro in the Chamber of Deputies is intensifying pressure on House Speaker Hugo Motta.While Motta has previously refrained from prioritizing the issue, growing support from key centrist parties – including the PP, União Brasil, and Republicans – makes a vote increasingly likely.
Freitas arrived in Brasília this week to lobby for the amnesty proposal, capitalizing on a perceived majority among party leaders willing to consider the measure.Motta acknowledged this support during a meeting with deputies, stating he intends to consult with the Senate and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) before scheduling a vote.
As of today, Motta’s office reports no date has been set for debate, nor has a rapporteur been assigned to the matter.
the move comes as Bolsonaro faces potential conviction and arrest related to investigations into his conduct during and after his presidency.PT leader in the House, Lindbergh Farias, condemned the effort as a “blow” designed to undermine the judicial process.
“At the moment when all of Brazil has the expectation of conviction and arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, here in Parliament, with articulation of the governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, the biggest parties announce that the trial is over, they will put to vote the amnesty,” Farias said in a video statement. He further asserted, “It’s a disrespect for the Constitution. There is already a decision of the Supreme Court saying that a crime against the democratic rule of law is not amnesty.”
the proposed amnesty faces potential legal challenges, as the STF has previously ruled that crimes against the democratic rule of law are not eligible for amnesty.
