The path to reforming Brazil’s public service will be rocky

A package of three bills proposing a sweeping overhaul to Brazil’s public service was recently introduced in the lower house. But backing from House Speaker Hugo Motta has not been enough to secure political momentum, as the measures face strong resistance from civil servant associations.

At least 13 right- and center-right lawmakers who had endorsed the constitutional amendment included in the package have since withdrawn their support. The Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration has distanced itself from the initiative, while legislators advocating for market-friendly reforms have expressed support.

While elections next October are expected to dominate much of Congress’s agenda in 2026, the proposals could still be brought to a vote early next year. Motta is weighing whether to attach the new amendment to a more advanced one of the same kind, fast-tracking its legislative path and bypassing committee review.