The Novo party filed a lawsuit in court and a representation with the TCU against spending by the Presidency's Communication Secretariat.
The Novo party filed a popular action in Federal Court and a representation with the Federal Court of Accounts questioning SECOM spending during Sidônio Palmeira's tenure.
Sidônio took office in January 2025. Since then, the secretariat has committed more than R$ 2.3 billion to advertising, an increase of just over 13% compared to the first two years of the Lula government.
Novo states that the monthly average spending rose from R$ 73 million in 2023 to R$ 127 million this year, based on Portal da Transparência data. The party claims the funds were used to promote President Lula rather than inform about public policies.
SECOM said investments follow technical criteria and that amounts paid in one fiscal year may originate from contracts signed in prior years. The secretariat noted the goal is to ensure the public is aware of Federal Executive services.
