Gleisi's involvement in political maneuvering does not guarantee an improvement in relations with Congress.

President Lula preferred to keep someone from his personal circle and someone he trusts implicitly in the Secretariat of Institutional Relations, nominating the president of the PT (Workers' Party), Gleisi Hoffmann, for the position. The invitation was formalized yesterday, and the inauguration will take place on March 10th. Yesterday, Lula called Hugo Motta, president of the Chamber of Deputies, to inform him of the decision, who reportedly praised the president's choice. 

Gleisi is well-liked and considered a serious parliamentarian, but, on the other hand, the appointment of the Workers' Party member could indicate an isolation of the Presidential Palace, occupied only by people from the president's inner circle. "Outwardly, it's a bad sign, as it signals to the market that the government is isolated," declared a centrist leader. "On the other hand, she is more assertive than (Alexandre) Padilha. She says yes or no, without beating around the bush," he added. It's worth remembering that some of the government's internal crises were generated by statements from the Workers' Party or public declarations by Gleisi in conflict with decisions by Minister Fernando Haddad and his economic team. 

According to another leader interviewed by the blog, Gleisi has excellent qualities and is extremely competent, but very distant from the Chamber. "It's a change that doesn't convey a sense of change," they assessed. 

Overall, parliamentarians perceive that Lula is making a mistake by appointing someone from his inner circle who lacks the necessary experience within Parliament. For a congressman serving his fifth term, the position demands a profile more geared towards external dialogue, while Gleisi would be a more party-oriented figure. 

The fear is that, amidst a delicate moment for the government with falling approval ratings and rising disapproval of the president, Gleisi's presence will not improve relations with Congress, especially since it doesn't depend solely on her. In the next room, today, is one of Congress's biggest grievances, the Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa. Only time will tell how this partnership will play out and whether Lula will have to recalculate his course again.