Lula Calls for Dialogue with Congress, Emphasizing 2026 Elections

BRASÍLIA, June 2, 2025 – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for increased dialogue with Brazil's Congress and urged greater efforts from left-wing parties to win parliamentary seats in the 2026 elections. Speaking at the national convention of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) in Brasília on Sunday, Lula acknowledged the government's ongoing pressure to revoke a recent decree expanding the tax on financial transactions (IOF). "We need to ensure that when we reach a decision, it's something that has been aligned with everyone involved," Lula said, referencing his work with key congressional figures. He specifically praised the cooperation with Câmara dos Deputados President Hugo Motta, a known critic of the IOF increase. The PSB convention provided a platform for Lula to emphasize his commitment to collaboration with Congress, even amidst policy disagreements. His focus on the upcoming elections underscores the importance of securing a strong parliamentary base for his political agenda. This emphasis on dialogue suggests a shift towards a more conciliatory approach to governance.