Congress changes secret budget rules before the final judgment by the STF; see on Curto Flash

End of secrecy of the secret budget

While the STF (Supreme Federal Court) has not yet ruled on the continuation of the secret budget, parliamentarians rushed to change the rules for rapporteur amendments. The scheme facilitated Jair Bolsonaro's government in negotiations with parliamentarians, in exchange for political support. The funds became the source of fraud scandals in the purchase of garbage trucks, school buses, tractors, ambulances, among others.

The project that changes this practice, approved this Friday (16), still keeps control of part of these amendments in the hands of the Congress leadership.. But it excludes the “external user” category, used by city halls to request funds – a kind of bargaining chip in political negotiations between the Planalto Palace and deputies and senators. (UOL)

Secret budget at the STF

The trial on the constitutionality of the secret budget at the Federal Supreme Court (STF) was halted this Thursday (15) with a score unfavorable to the continuation of the rapporteur's amendment scheme: 5 to 4 to overturn the secret budget.

But, apparently, this score could change: the votes of ministers Ricardo Lewandowski and Gilmar Mendes are still missing. And this Friday (16) Lewandowski said the Court will take into account the resolution approved by Congress and that most of the criticized points were met. (Folha de S.Paulo)🚥

Arsenal seized by PF in action against scammers

The operation against financiers and organizers of anti-democratic acts carried out on Thursday (15) and authorized by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF, targeted 3 groups and used information obtained through an intelligence network.

The police seized a veritable arsenal at the addresses of those being investigated: among the weapons are submachine guns, rifles and rifles with telescopes, capable of firing at long distances.. (G1)

Law Father Júlio Lancelotti

The National Congress overturned President Jair Bolsonaro's veto of the law that prohibits so-called “hostile architecture” in public spaces in cities, named 'Lei Padre Júlio Lancelotti', in honor of the religious who fight for the homeless population in the capital of São Paulo.

The law prevents city halls and states from creating obstacles for the most vulnerable, such as partitions, stones placed under viaducts and iron piles, common in urban cities, under viaducts, marquees and facades of public bodies. (The time)

No general elections in Peru

 Peru's Congress rejected, this Friday (16), a project to bring forward general elections in the country and put an end to demonstrations after the failed coup attempt by ousted former president Pedro Castillo.

The proposal to bring forward the election from April 2026 to December 2023 needed 87 votes to succeed, but obtained 49 in favor, 33 against and 25 abstentions, according to the official vote count in the unicameral plenary. (AFP)

'Final resistance' to Lula?

What do Bolsonaro supporters think on Telegram and social media?  The demand for forceful action by President Jair Bolsonaro and the Armed Forces is growing, with requests for intervention.

There is confusion and a lack of leadership: protesters who do not accept the results of the polls disagree among themselves about concentrating all their efforts in front of Army installations or occupying new symbolic spaces, such as the Esplanada dos Ministérios. (Estadão)🚥

What do you dream for the Amazon?

The largest tropical forest in the world, whose biodiversity is connected to life across the planet, has suffered constant attacks and needs to become the center of a new preservation policy. O Curto News spoke with Larissa Noguchi – journalist, digital content creator, canoeing athlete, activist and citizen of the Amazon – to find out what she thinks should be a priority on the next government's environmental agenda.

(*): Content in other languages ​​translated by Google Tradutor

(🇬🇧): content in English

(🚥): may require registration and/or signature 

See also:

Lula 3 government: see who the ministers and secretaries chosen so far are

There are two weeks left until the inauguration of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, kicking off the administration for the next four years. Even with some political seams being made, Lula has already defined seven ministers, who in turn, have also announced some secretaries and holders of strategic positions within the portfolios. See who is already on the Lula 3 team so far.