With an eye on 2026, Lula is considering expanding the roles of PSD and MDB in the government and reducing the number of ministers from União and PP.

247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) is considering strengthening the PSD and MDB parties within the ministries, already thinking about an electoral alliance for the 2026 presidential race, according to reports. CNN BrazilOn the other hand, parties like União Brasil and PP, which are not expected to support Lula in the elections, are likely to lose ministerial positions.

Among the ministerial changes being considered is the Fisheries Ministry, with the PSD potentially taking over Tourism, Sports, or Communications. Meanwhile, the MDB could increase its number of ministries from three to four, taking over Science and Technology or Fisheries.

The União Brasil and PP parties are expected to lose influence in the top tier of the Esplanada dos Ministérios (the area in Brasília where government ministries are located). The parties must decide whether or not to remain in the government in the coming months, but their position in opposition to Lula in the 2026 elections is considered certain. Currently, the PP controls the Ministry of Sports, while União Brasil leads the Ministries of Tourism and Communications, in addition to having a nominee from Senator Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) for the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development.

In congressional votes, the PP demonstrates a higher level of loyalty to the government, while União Brasil tends to split its caucus and has one of the highest rates of disloyalty among the governing parties. The idea is to increase the space for parties that are expected to form a broad front around Lula's reelection next year.