Bolsonaro Ally Lira to Preside over Brazil Lower House of Congress

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Congressman Arthur Lira (PP-AL), an ally of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was elected president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Brazil’s Congress on Monday, February 1st, strengthening the standing of the country’s right-wing leader. The chamber president serves a two-year term.

The chamber voted overwhelmingly 302-145 for Lira, whose rival Baleia Rossi (MDB-SP) advocated independence from the Bolsonaro administration. Lira is expected to help the government push through its economic reform agenda aimed at reducing a budget deficit that has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.