Minister Marina Silva Walks Out After Sexist Remarks in Senate Hearing

Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva walked out of a Senate hearing on May 31st, 2025, after a series of tense exchanges and sexist remarks from Senator Plínio Valério. The hearing concerned an Amazonian road project. Valério stated, "I'm speaking to the minister, not a woman, because women deserve respect." Silva later commented that this was the most violent incident of her political career. The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by women in Brazilian politics and the tensions surrounding environmental policy. The full account is available in UOL's podcast, 'A Hora'.