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Congress overturns veto, cuts Bolsonaro's prison term
Brazil's legislature has defied President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by revoking his veto of a bill that sharply reduces the jail sentence of former leader Jair Bolsonaro for orchestrating a post-election coup attempt.
Original conviction and sentence
In September 2025, a court handed Bolsonaro a 27-year prison term after finding him guilty of plotting to retain power following his 2022 electoral defeat to Lula. Justices determined that Bolsonaro had been aware of plans to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential candidate, Geraldo Alckmin.
The conspiracy collapsed when senior military commanders refused to support it, allowing Lula's inauguration to proceed peacefully on 1 January 2023.
New law and veto override
On Thursday, lawmakers in the conservative-dominated Congress voted to override Lula's veto of legislation that recalculates sentences for coup-related offences. The bill reduces Bolsonaro's term to approximately two years.
More than two-thirds of both chambers supported the measure, which could still face a challenge in the Supreme Court.
Political reactions and celebrations
Following the vote, several legislators chanted "freedom" in the chamber, while others invoked the name of Flávio Bolsonaro, the ex-president's eldest son and a senator who harbours presidential ambitions.
"I thank the deputies and senators for this very special birthday present."
Flávio Bolsonaro, posting on X after the override coincided with his 45th birthday
Broader implications for Lula's government
The veto override marks the second setback for Lula's administration this week. On Wednesday, the Senate rejected his nominee for a Supreme Court vacancy, Jorge Messias, marking the first time in decades that a presidential pick for the top court has been blocked.
Polls currently show Flávio Bolsonaro running neck-and-neck with Lula as the former president campaigns for a fourth term.
Current status of Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro, 71, was granted temporary house arrest in March due to health concerns. His legal team has not commented on whether the new law will immediately affect his detention conditions.
