Brazilian Congress

PSOL, PDT, Avante and Solidariedade have fallen below Brazil's barrier clause, according to CNN Brasil, a rule that ties federal party funding and free airtime to electoral performance. The result means the smaller left-wing and centre parties face reduced resources in Congress. Debate is underway in Brazil over the political consequences of the clause and possible alliances ahead of future elections.

Searches about federal deputies elected by Rio de Janeiro are surging as Brazilians check who will represent the state in Congress. Interest is tied to the 2026 electoral cycle, with outlets such as VEJA publishing guides to Senate candidates in Rio, including their ballot numbers. Voters appear to be reviewing the current state delegation and the candidates vying for Senate seats.

The Liberal Party (PL) is projecting it will win three federal deputy seats, with a possible fourth vacancy. The projection, circulated on Brazilian political blogs, has drawn attention as parties assess their strength in Congress. PL is one of Brazil's largest parties, so its expected bench size is being closely watched by analysts and rivals.

Brazilian Senate discussions indicate at least 49 members of Congress would back impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court justices, still five short of the required minimum, according to Folha de S.Paulo. Justice Gilmar Mendes is among the STF figures at the center of the controversy, as tensions between Congress and the court continue to fuel debate over impeachment attempts.

The president of Brazil's Liberal Party (PL) says the party is counting on expanding its representation in Congress, positioning itself as a leading force in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The party, closely associated with former president Jair Bolsonaro, is currently one of the largest blocs in the Brazilian legislature. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over the party's role in Congress and its direction ahead of future elections.

Searches in Brazil point to mounting discussion over a possible federation between PSOL and Rede, the two left-leaning parties. A federation would allow the parties to join forces in Congress while keeping separate identities, mirroring agreements other Brazilian parties struck after electoral law changes. Party members and commentators are weighing what the alliance would mean for the 2026 elections and the broader left.

Brazil's presidential election will be decided in a second-round run-off between former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and incumbent Jair Bolsonaro after neither won an outright majority in the first round. Results showed the right performing stronger than polls predicted, with Bolsonaro narrowing the gap and his allies gaining in Congress and governorships, setting up a divisive contest for the country's future.

Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist known for his role in the Gaza flotilla efforts to break Israel's blockade, is running for a seat in Brazil's Congress. His candidacy ties his humanitarian activism to national politics, and coverage is examining how his high-profile involvement in pro-Palestinian campaigns could shape his political future in Brazil.

A Brazilian man who works as a Donald Trump lookalike is running for a seat in Brazil's Congress, drawing attention for his striking resemblance to the US president. The candidacy is being covered internationally as an unusual and eye-catching story, with observers noting the blend of political mimicry and Brazil's own election season.