Lula backs Motta and Alcolumbre to counter PL growth in Congress

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met Hugo Motta and Davi Alcolumbre at Alvorada Palace on Monday, October 26, one day after winning the second round of the election. He announced that the Workers Party will support their candidacies for the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in the internal elections scheduled for February 1, 2027.

The Workers Party officially endorsed Hugo Motta on Tuesday, October 27, giving him the backing of 15 parties. This move increases the isolation of the Liberal Party led by Flavio Bolsonaro, which will hold the largest bench in the Chamber with 121 deputies.

“I did not choose Congress. It was the people who chose. And it is with them that I will vote, work, and approve things.”

Lula's strategy aims to secure dialogue with Congress leadership and unblock votes of interest to the Planalto Palace. The president faces difficulties in a more conservative legislature starting next year due to the growth of the Liberal Party and Bolsonarist right.

Flávio Bolsonaro told center party presidents he would not support Motta's re-election because of Motta's closeness to Lula. Motta had publicly supported Lula's re-election, participated in pro-president events in Paraiba, and posed for photos wearing a red cap with Lula's name.

Following Flavio's defeat, PL members who previously considered running for the post have withdrawn. Sóstenes Cavalcante, the party's bench leader, told interlocutors he will no longer be a candidate. Altineu Cortes, the Chamber's vice president, was also considered a potential candidate.

The meeting between Lula, Motta, and Alcolumbre ended with a photograph of the three authorities holding hands. Allies described the encounter as very positive and said it sealed Lula's support for their candidacies. The vote for congressional leadership is secret, so party endorsements do not guarantee automatic support from all deputies.