In a turnaround at the Chamber of Deputies, Deputy Glauber Braga's (PSOL-RJ) mandate was suspended for six months instead of being revoked, on Wednesday (10). The decision followed government and allies' articulation, who expected full loss of office for assaulting an MBL militant. The punishment avoids ineligibility and was approved 318 to 141.
The Chamber of Deputies saw tension on Tuesday (9), when Glauber Braga occupied the president's chair in protest against the scheduling of his mandate's cassation, announced by Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB). Refusing to leave, the deputy was forcibly removed by legislative police, with the session suspended and transmission halted, restricting the press. The chaos extended to the green hall, with shoves and assaults on journalists and deputies like Sâmia Bomfim (PSOL-SP) and Rogério Correia (PT-MG).
On Wednesday (10), the vote started with motions indicating difficulties for opponents. By 226 to 220, the Chamber chose to vote first on a milder punishment: a six-month suspension, approved next by 318 to 141. Cassation was expected due to Braga's lack of political support, but Lula's government articulation and PSOL leaders, via amendment, secured the leniency.
The case stems from an assault where Braga kicked an MBL militant who insulted him, mentioning his mother with Alzheimer's, who died days later. 'This cassation attempt has nothing to do with the kick in the butt given to a provocateur. The former Chamber president gave strength to this representation,' said Glauber, blaming Arthur Lira (PP-AL). He defended his action: 'To defend my family, I'm capable of much more than a kick in the butt.' Left-wing deputies admitted the mistake but rejected cassation as disproportionate.
Motta remained silent on press restrictions, despite promising investigation. Entities like Fenaj and Abraji condemned the censorship and violence. Braga began his speech with 'Congress enemy of the people' and criticized false symmetry with Carla Zambelli's (PL-SP) case. Votes on other processes, like Zambelli's, were scheduled for the same day.
