President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) launched the federal program "Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado" on June 12, 2024 [1].

The move allows the executive branch to implement security measures without waiting for legislative approval from a divided Congress. By establishing a direct federal program, the administration can address organized crime while bypassing the procedural delays of the legislative branch.

The program arrives after the Public Security constitutional amendment, known as the PEC da Segurança Pública, failed to advance in Congress for two months [2]. This constitutional amendment was intended to reform the nation's security framework but remained stalled during that period [2].

Analysts suggest the timing of the launch is a strategic maneuver to maintain momentum on public safety. The administration is utilizing executive authority to fill the gap left by the legislative deadlock, a tactic that allows the government to claim progress on crime reduction despite the lack of a new constitutional mandate.

Larissa Rodrigues of Bastidores CNN said, "Lula está tentando contornar a falta de avanço no Congresso ao lançar esse programa."

“President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) launched the federal program "Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado".”

The launch of 'Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado' signals a shift in strategy by the Lula administration, moving from legislative reform to executive action. By sidelining the PEC da Segurança Pública, the government avoids a protracted political battle in Congress while attempting to address urgent security concerns through a federal program.