Alcolumbre hints at amnesty for Bolsonaro over re-election
Davi Alcolumbre uses the proposal of amnesty for the January 8th convicts and Jair Bolsonaro as a bargaining chip to be re-elected Senate president in 2027. The move attracts the PL bloc but faces resistance from the PT and legal questions in the STF.
The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, has started a political articulation in Brasilia to pave his re-election to the command of the House in 2027. The central strategy involves waving an amnesty to those convicted of the Jan. 8 acts and to former president Jair Bolsonaro, as a way to attract opposition support and isolate rival candidacies.
The move was revealed by interlocutors of the senator, who seek to build a solid base of support for his renewal. By suggesting legal pardon, Alcolumbre tries to seduce the PL bench, the largest in the House, and dehydrate the candidacy of Rogério Marinho, the main name of the opposition for the position.
Amnesty as a political currency
The idea sold by the senator is that the amnesty project could pacify political relations, reducing tensions between the Legislative and the Judiciary. The proposal, however, is not new: since Bolsonaro’s conviction by STF, allies of the former president have been pushing for a legal exit that would return him to eligibility.
Alcolumbre, who has already presided over the Senate between 2019 and 2021, knows the halls of the House well. His rapprochement with the opposition, especially with the PL, is seen as a calculated move to secure the necessary votes. The source did not detail how many senators would have already signaled support for the maneuver.
Immediate reaction of the PT and governmental base
The move caused immediate discomfort and strong resistance on the governmental base. For the PT and close allies of President Lula, the punishment of those involved on January 8 and Bolsonaro’s ineligibility are non-negotiable points.
Senators say the country cannot be governed as a counter of favors or serve as a refuge for those who owe explanations to justice. The statement reflects fears that the amnesty would represent a political surrender to the opposition in exchange for an ally in the Senate presidency.
Although Alcolumbre has a fluid relationship with Lula, the Planalto Palace did not endorse the movement. Auxiliaries of the president assess that the proposal weakens the government’s position and can generate fissures in the allied base.
Obstacles in the Supremo Tribunal Federal
In addition to the political barrier, the project faces difficulties in the Supremo Tribunal Federal. Experts explain that any amnesty would need some kind of prior approval from the ministers of the STF in order not to be annulled soon after the vote on unconstitutionality.
This is because the Court has already positioned itself on the gravity of the acts of January 8, classifying them as attacks on democracy. A law that would forgive convicts could be questioned for violating the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.
In addition, Bolsonaro’s ineligibility was confirmed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), and an amnesty approved by Congress would not have the condone to automatically reverse that decision unless there was a change in electoral legislation or a judicial review.
Strategy for 2027 and electoral scenario
The election for the presidency of the Senate will take place in February 2027, along with that of the Chamber of Deputies. Alcolumbre, which is from the União Brasil, tries to make itself viable as a name for consensus, capable of transiting between government and opposition.
However, the bet on amnesty can come through. If the PT and the Lula government feel betrayed, they can launch a candidate of their own or support an alternative name, fragmenting the vote and making room for Rogério Marinho.
On the other hand, if Alcolumbre manages to sew a deal with the PL and part of the center, his re-election becomes almost inevitable. The source did not detail whether there have been formal conversations with the PL leadership or with Bolsonaro himself.
What the experts say
Lawyers heard by the report warn that the amnesty, if approved, would have a tortuous path in the STF. The Court has already signalled that it will not accept undue interference by the Legislative in judicial decisions, especially in cases of attacks on democracy.
In addition, the proposal can generate an unprecedented institutional attrition, rekindling the crisis between the Powers. For critics, the Alcolumbre maneuver is an example of how coalition presidentialism can degenerate into political bargains that ignore the public interest.
So far, the senator has not publicly commented on the strategy. His advice has limited itself to saying that he is focused on the legislative agenda and on dialogue with all the benches.
Next steps
Behind the scenes, the issue is expected to gain momentum after the 2024 municipal elections, when Congress will resume discussions on amnesty and political reforms. Until then, Alcolumbre should intensify talks with party leaders and assess the political cost of his bet.
The outcome of this articulation can define not only the future of the Senate, but also the political deck for the 2026 presidential elections. The report will continue to follow the developments.
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