On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Council of Ethics and Parliamentary Decorum of the Chamber of Deputies approved the removal of Deputy Glauber Braga (PSOL-RJ) by a vote of 13 to 5, following accusations of breach of parliamentary decorum. This decision comes after a tumultuous session where Braga faced allegations from the Novo party regarding his conduct during an incident last year involving Gabriel Costenaro, a member of the Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL).
The incident occurred in April 2024 when Braga was accused of expelling Costenaro from the Chamber with shoves and kicks during a protest supporting app drivers, which was held while a proposal regulating their profession was under debate. Braga claimed he acted in response to provocations from Costenaro, who allegedly insulted his elderly mother, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
Last week, Deputy Paulo Magalhães (PSD-BA), the rapporteur of the case, recommended the punishment for Braga after reviewing the evidence. He stated, "The representative [Deputy Glauber Braga] exceeded the rights inherent to his mandate, thus abusing the prerogatives he possesses." Although the vote was initially postponed due to a request for more time to analyze the case, it ultimately proceeded with the majority favoring removal.
In a dramatic turn, following the approval of the removal recommendation, Braga announced he would go on a hunger strike, vowing to remain in the Chamber until the conclusion of the process. He expressed his determination on social media, stating, "I know this is the most radical tactic a militant can take. I am fasting today and will remain without food as a form of protest and a radical confrontation against what is happening."
Braga's hunger strike has garnered attention, leading to solidarity from fellow lawmakers, including Deputy Luiza Erundina (PSOL-SP), who is 90 years old and also announced her intention to join him in the hunger strike.
The Council of Ethics has the authority to impose various penalties, including written or verbal censure, suspension of parliamentary prerogatives for six months, suspension of the mandate for six months, and loss of mandate. The latter two require ratification by the plenary of the House, where Braga can also appeal the decision through the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ).
Paula Coradi, the president of PSOL, indicated that the party would pursue appeals both within the CCJ and to the Federal Supreme Court (STF), arguing that the punishment is disproportionate compared to past cases. She claimed there was an operation by former Chamber President Arthur Lira (PP-AL) and current President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) to facilitate Braga's removal.
Coradi emphasized the severity of the consequences for Braga, stating, "We will file appeals in the CCJ and the STF. In the CCJ, it is a standard appeal because it is where we can appeal internally in the Chamber. And in the STF, we will argue that the punishment is disproportionate to the fact."
During the chaotic session, opposition lawmakers protested the decision, claiming there was a maneuver to extend discussions to the limit of the scheduled time for the session. The leader of the PSOL, Taliria Petrone (RJ), reportedly attempted to contact the Chamber's president multiple times to address the delay in starting the agenda.
Actor Marco Nanini, known for his role in the popular Brazilian series "A Grande Família," attended the session in support of Braga, and his presence was met with cheers from Braga's supporters, who chanted, "Glauber stays!" This public backing highlights the political tensions surrounding the case.
Historically, the Ethics Council has approved 23 reports requesting the removal of deputies from 2002 to 2024, but only eight have successfully lost their mandates. Notably, the process of removal requires an absolute majority in the plenary, meaning at least 257 votes in favor.
Braga has been vocal in his opposition to Lira, labeling him a "bandit" in the past and alleging that his removal is part of a larger political vendetta. He stated, "I am not fighting against the report made by Deputy Paulo Magalhães. I am fighting against the buying of political support, which was pre-determined based on what he indicated in secret budget negotiations with Mr. Arthur Lira."
The events leading to this decision have sparked significant debate about parliamentary conduct and the implications of such actions on democratic processes in Brazil. Braga, who has faced provocations from Costenaro on multiple occasions, remains defiant, insisting he does not regret his actions and will continue to fight against what he perceives as intimidation and threats.
The case is set to be reviewed further, with Braga continuing his hunger strike as he awaits the next steps in the process. The outcome will not only affect his political career but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
