Brazil’s Lower House Reelects Pro-Reform Maia as Leader, Reports Reuters

By Maria Carolina Marcello

BRASILIA – On Friday, Brazil’s lower house of Congress overwhelmingly reelected Rodrigo Maia from the Democratas party for another two-year term as president of the chamber.

Maia received backing from Brazil’s newly elected President Jair Bolsonaro and has committed to collaborating with the new administration to implement essential reforms deemed vital for the country’s budgetary stability, notably pension reform.

He secured 334 out of 513 votes, with his closest rival, Fabio Ramalho of the MDB party, receiving only 66 votes.

"The reforms are not simple, but they are necessary," Maia stated in his speech before the voting took place.

Control of both houses of Congress is crucial for Bolsonaro and his administration to push forward with plans to alter the pension system and address other legislation related to corporate taxation and the privatization of numerous state-owned enterprises.

Despite still recovering from surgery in a Sao Paulo hospital, Bolsonaro congratulated Maia on his reelection through a message on social media, emphasizing the significant responsibilities of leading the legislative process on behalf of the Brazilian populace.

The Senate, which was also expected to elect its new president on Friday, has postponed the decision until Saturday due to disagreements regarding the voting procedure.