Lula has until this Monday to approve or veto changes to the Clean Record Law.
The Attorney General's Office and the Ministry of Justice recommended that the president veto the changes.
247 - Brazil's Attorney General's Office (AGU) and the Ministry of Justice have issued technical opinions recommending that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) veto sections of the bill approved by Congress that amends the Clean Record Law. Among the main points, the documents highlight the reduction of the ineligibility period and the retroactive application of the measure as aspects that could weaken the legislation.
According to a report published by the newspaper The GlobeLula has until this Monday (29) to decide whether to approve or veto the project. The president discussed the topic last Friday in a meeting with aides, amid strong political pressure and mobilization of civil society against possible setbacks in the law.
What changes in the Clean Record Law?
The text approved by the Senate in early September foresees changes to the eight-year ineligibility period. Currently, this period begins after the end of the term or completion of the sentence. Under the new wording, the count would begin from the conviction, which, in practice, would shorten the time that convicted politicians are barred from holding office.
Another change establishes a maximum limit of 12 years for ineligibility and the need to prove intent in cases of administrative misconduct. However, for crimes such as money laundering, organized crime, and heinous offenses, the current rule remains: those convicted are ineligible from the time of sentencing until eight years after serving their sentence.
Political pressure and popular mobilization
Despite the risk of strained relations with Congress, the trend is for Lula to follow the opinions of the Attorney General's Office and the Ministry of Justice, arguing that there is no political climate for setbacks to the Clean Record Law. This scenario was reinforced after the widespread popular reaction against the so-called "Shielding Amendment," which was previously rejected.
Who could benefit?
If fully approved, the proposal could favor well-known figures in national politics, such as former Speaker of the House Eduardo Cunha, father of congresswoman Dani Cunha (União-RJ), author of the bill. Former governors Anthony Garotinho (RJ) and José Roberto Arruda (DF) would also benefit.
