On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the political climate in Brazil intensified as Deputy Paulo Magalhães (PSD-BA) presented a report to the Chamber of Deputies' Ethics Council, calling for the cassation of fellow Deputy Glauber Braga (PSOL-RJ). This request stems from allegations of breach of decorum linked to an incident in April 2024, where Braga physically expelled a militant from the Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL), Gabriel Costenaro, from the chamber after the latter insulted Braga's mother.
The session was marked by tension, with Magalhães emphasizing that Braga's actions were not only disproportionate but also harmed the dignity of the parliament. "The physical violence committed by the represented in response to the verbal offense was totally unjustified," Magalhães stated, rejecting Braga's defense arguments and asserting that they did not constitute legitimate self-defense.
Braga, who has claimed that the accusations are a product of political persecution orchestrated by former House Speaker Arthur Lira (PP-AL) and Magalhães, expressed indignation during the session. He argued that the attempt to annul his mandate is retaliation for his denunciations regarding the controversial "secret budget"—a mechanism allowing for the allocation of public funds without transparency, which Braga has been vocal against.
In a passionate defense, Braga declared, "I am fighting against the purchase of political support... that was pre-dated, pre-fixed, based on what he indicated regarding the secret budget in collusion with Mr. Arthur Lira." He emphasized that his reaction to the MBL militant was a matter of defending his mother's honor, who was suffering from Alzheimer's at the time of the incident and passed away shortly thereafter.
The Ethics Council's proceedings have been contentious, with the report yet to be voted on by the committee. Deputy Chico Alencar (PSOL-RJ) requested a view of the report, delaying the vote until the following week. This postponement reflects the ongoing divisions within the chamber, particularly between leftist and opposing parties.
During the meeting, Magalhães faced backlash from the audience, including being called a "desgraçado" (scoundrel) by a woman present, which prompted the Council's president, Leur Lomanto Júnior (União Brasil-BA), to call for her removal. Supporters of Braga chanted, "Glauber fica, Glauber fica" (Glauber stays, Glauber stays), illustrating the fervent support he has from his constituents.
Magalhães argued that Braga's repeated public criticisms of Lira, whom he views as a political adversary, further tainted the integrity of the parliamentary process. He stated, "The physical and verbal aggressions practiced by the represented not only tarnish the integrity of those involved but also affect the honor and dignity of this parliament and its members."
Braga's case has drawn attention to the selective nature of the Ethics Council's proceedings, as pointed out by fellow deputies. Talíria Petrone (RJ), leader of the PSOL, condemned the report as an act of ideological selectivity, highlighting the council's failure to address serious accusations against other members, including those linked to the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco.
Petrone said, "With democracy, there is no room for selective justice... This council that presents a cassation report against Deputy Glauber is the same council that evaded requests for cassation against those who have committed grave offenses against the democratic order."
The Ethics Council previously approved the cassation of Deputy Chiquinho Brazão (RJ), who was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of Franco. However, this decision has yet to be addressed by the plenary, causing frustration among those advocating for accountability.
As the debate continues, the ramifications of Braga's potential cassation extend beyond personal consequences; they pose significant questions regarding the integrity of parliamentary conduct and the political motivations behind such actions. If the council approves the report, the case will advance to the plenary for a vote, requiring a two-thirds majority—257 votes—to enact the cassation.
Braga remains resolute, stating, "I will fight until the very end. I will not bow my head... This report was already bought, and I will not stop speaking the truth." His determination reflects a broader struggle within Brazilian politics, where accusations of corruption and ethical violations have become increasingly common.
The outcome of this case will likely resonate throughout the political landscape, potentially influencing public perception of the Ethics Council and the overall credibility of the legislative process in Brazil. As the council prepares to reconvene next week, all eyes will be on the decisions made and the implications they hold for the future of parliamentary conduct.
