Brazilian lawmakers approve Lula’s security reform

The Brazilian Senate approved a security reform measure on Tuesday, aimed at combating organized crime, following his re-election as president. Insecurity was a major concern for voters in the closely contested presidential election between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula defeated Bolsonaro in a runoff on October 25. The approval of the security reform marks another victory for Lula, who had promised to establish a public security ministry during his campaign. The reform strengthens the federal government's role in addressing insecurity, traditionally a state responsibility, and allocates additional resources to anti-crime efforts.

It also imposes harsher penalties for leaders and members of criminal factions, particularly those controlling major urban areas like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo's favelas. In May, the United States designated Brazil's two largest criminal groups, Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations, a decision that Lula viewed as an affront to Brazilian sovereignty.

Flavio Bolsonaro, whose father is a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump, had requested the designation. The right-wing senator sought asylum in the United States following his election defeat, after his passports were revoked amid a money-laundering investigation. Lawmakers chose not to include an article that would have lowered the legal age of criminal responsibility, currently set at 18, opting to address the matter separately.