President Lula announced plans to recreate the Ministry of Public Security, separating it from Justice, following Minister Ricardo Lewandowski's departure. Deputy Adriana Accorsi (PT-GO), a candidate for the role, states the measure is not electorally motivated and aims to correct a previous government's mistake. The initiative hinges on Congress approving the Public Security PEC.
The recreation of the Ministry of Public Security gained momentum with the resignation of Justice and Public Security Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, set for this Friday (9). In a letter to President Lula, Lewandowski cited political, conjunctural, and budgetary limitations during his nearly two-year tenure. His departure removes resistance to splitting the ministries, as he opposed the division.
Lewandowski, a former STF justice, was selected to bridge the government and judiciary. However, his management faced setbacks, including the 2023 escape of two Comando Vermelho inmates from Mossoró federal prison and the 2025 deaths of 122 people in a Rio de Janeiro police operation against the group. He also sparked controversy by stating that "the police arrest poorly and the judiciary is forced to release," drawing criticism from police associations.
Despite challenges, advances include the Organized Crime Combat Unit, leading to Operation Carbono Oculto against the PCC, the country's largest such effort. Other measures encompass a use-of-force protocol, body camera program, modernization with equipment purchases, and the Pena Justa program for the prison system. Projects like the Public Security PEC and Anti-Faction PL remain in Congress without a review date.
Deputy Adriana Accorsi (PT-GO), suggested by the PT to lead the new ministry, defends the recreation as correcting the "mistake" of merging security with Justice under Bolsonaro. "The merger with Justice in the previous government was a mistake, because public security is a major public concern," she states. She emphasizes that Lula acts to protect the people, without electoral concerns, and that the PEC is urgent against interstate organized crime. Accorsi believes the election year won't hinder approval, prioritizing Federal Police strengthening and information integration.
State security secretaries criticize the lack of dialogue under Lewandowski but acknowledge improvements in the National Public Security Fund. Lula's measure addresses one of Brazilians' top concerns, an area where left-wing governments historically struggle.
