Bolsonaro Says He Could Change Brazil’s Constitution If Elected

Opposition candidate to the presidency Flávio Bolsonaro said he could use a majority in Congress to amend the Constitution if elected president.

The senator told reporters Tuesday that the Oct. 4 election results produced a more right-leaning legislature in the Congress, potentially allowing his political camp to secure majorities in both the Senate and the lower house and elect the leaders of both chambers.

During a speech on Tuesday, Bolsonaro also cited public security, lowering the age of criminal responsibility and chemical castration among his priorities. He added institutions should return to respecting the Constitution.

Flávio also said his father, Jair Bolsonaro, would not be part of a potential administration and that the former president is not expected to run for president in 2030, according to newspapers. During an event in Brasilia on Wednesday, Flávio Bolsonaro said he will respect the Constitution, without ellaborating.

Support

Flávio is stepping up efforts to broaden his support in the runoff. Ronaldo Caiado endorsed the senator after Romeu Zema did the same. Flávio met with representatives of Republicanos and Podemos parties, which remained neutral in the first round, while União Brasil and Progressistas have already endorsed him. Tarcísio de Freitas is working to bring Republicanos closer to the campaign, and Flávio’s team expects to wrap up negotiations with political parties by Thursday.

6x1 scale

Lula is seeking to shift the election debate to social issues and is pressing Flávio Bolsonaro to take a position on ending the so-called 6x1 work schedule, under which employees work six days followed by one day off. Debate on the proposal began Tuesday on the Senate, and it could face a first-round vote before the presidential election ends. The constitutional amendment would reduce the maximum workweek to 40 hours from 44, establish two days off per week and maintain current salaries.

The proposal still faces several debate sessions before two rounds of voting, when it will need the support of at least 49 of the Senate’s 81 members. Lula said the debate would show where each side stands on the proposal and called on his rival to instruct lawmakers from his PL party on how to vote.

Other highlights

• Marinho tells Fachin Senate “will not be silent” on ministers’ crimes: CNN Brazil
• Gilmar Mendes archives Federal Police request against Alfredo Gaspar, Flávio’s vice-president: Agência Brasil
• Lula said masks will begin to fall with the 6x1 vote
• Flávio says discussions about ending the 6x1 system is opportunistic and advocates for hourly pay: Folha
• Lula associates rival to possible cuts in social programs: Valor

Candidates’ agenda

• Lula, in Brasília:
  • 9:00 a.m.: Meeting with the Minister of the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency, Sidônio Palmeira
  • 4:00 p.m.: Meeting with the Chief of Staff of the President, Oswaldo Malatesta
• Flávio Bolsonaro, in Brasília:
  • 09:00 a.m.: Meeting with members of PP/União Brasil party
  • 11:00 a.m.: Meeting with members of Partido Novo party
  • 3:00 p.m.: Meeting of the PL caucus

Election calendar

• Oct. 25th: 2nd round

Original Story:Flávio diz que pode mudar Constituição: Eleições 2026