Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ), the Liberal Party leader in the Chamber of Deputies, said he will reject any amnesty proposal that excludes Jair Bolsonaro [1].

The stance creates a significant legislative hurdle for Brazilian lawmakers attempting to resolve legal disputes surrounding the events of Jan. 8 [2]. By tying the success of any amnesty deal to the former president's inclusion, Cavalcante ensures that the PL remains a decisive bloc in the negotiations.

Cavalcante said there was no other alternative but to resume the debate regarding the PEC da Anistia [1]. This shift in strategy follows a decision by Minister Alexandre de Moraes to suspend the PL's proposal on Dosimetry [1].

The suspension of the Dosimetry bill effectively removed a primary legislative avenue for the party, prompting the return to the amnesty amendment [1]. Cavalcante said these remarks during an interview with G1 on May 11, 2026 [1].

Earlier this month, on May 4, 2026, Cavalcante said he opposed alternative amnesty frameworks being coordinated by Alcolumbre [2]. He said, "Rejeitarei anistia que não inclua Jair Bolsonaro" [2].

The debate now centers on whether the Chamber of Deputies can find a middle ground that satisfies the PL's demands, while remaining constitutionally viable. The party continues to push for a broad pardon that would address the legal consequences faced by those involved in the Jan. 8 unrest [2].

“Rejeitarei anistia que não inclua Jair Bolsonaro.”

The PL's refusal to accept a partial amnesty indicates a high-stakes strategy to protect Jair Bolsonaro from legal repercussions. By pivoting back to the PEC da Anistia after the failure of the Dosimetry bill, the party is leveraging its legislative weight to force a comprehensive pardon, potentially escalating the conflict between the Brazilian legislature and the judiciary.