Cristiano Zanin was inaugurated as a minister of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) and was congratulated by attendees including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and other STF members. The ceremony was also attended by Prosecutor General Augusto Aras, Chamber and Senate Presidents Arthur Lira and Rodrigo Pacheco, as well as lawyers, family, and friends. STF President Rosa Weber welcomed Zanin, highlighting his experience. Zanin is set to participate in his first virtual plenary session judgments on Friday. A celebration dinner is scheduled at the Association of Brazilian Magistrates (AMB) without press access. Zanin, known for defending Lula in the Operation Car Wash cases, is a 47-year-old lawyer from Piracicaba, São Paulo, with expertise in strategic litigation.

The Brazilian Supreme Court is set to resume deliberations on the temporal framework for indigenous land demarcation, a controversial issue affecting nearly one million indigenous community members. The debate centers on whether the Constitution's enactment date should be the cutoff for land claims. The decision could escalate land conflicts, especially in the North and Northeast regions. The agricultural sector supports the framework for legal certainty, while indigenous rights advocates oppose it. The Court's decision is pending, with two votes already cast and security forces on alert for potential protests.

The Brazilian Federal Police have found indications that former President Jair Bolsonaro may have an account with BB Americas, a subsidiary of Banco do Brasil, in Florida. The suspicions arose from an analysis of material found on the cell phones of Bolsonaro and his former aide, Mauro Cid. If the account is confirmed and not declared to the Brazilian tax authorities, an investigation into possible money laundering could be initiated, potentially requiring Bolsonaro to provide explanations.

On April 25, 2023, Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Electoral Court met with the presidents of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira, and the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, to deliver contributions to a proposed law aimed at combating fake news. The bill, which has already passed the Senate, will now proceed to the Chamber's plenary. It is supported by communication industry entrepreneurs and includes regulations for social networks, such as the obligation to remove criminal or illegal content. The opposition criticizes the bill as censorship and an attempt to regulate social networks to prevent opposition expressions. The law outlines objectives to strengthen the democratic process, defend freedom of expression, increase content moderation transparency, and adopt mechanisms for information on sponsored content. It also includes provisions for identifying sponsored content, requiring identity numbers for suspected fake accounts, and suspending profiles of users without a cell phone registration, among other measures. Providers must notify users before sanctions and report active and inactive users quarterly. Government institutions and politicians' social media profiles are considered of public interest and must comply with the rules. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 10% of the company's revenue in Brazil.

Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin blocked Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro on Twitter on April 24, 2023, amidst Eduardo's posts about the January 8 attacks. The opposition has been attempting to link the current government to the extremist acts after images surfaced of former Minister Gon�alves Dias, then head of the Institutional Security Cabinet (GSI), in the Planalto Palace on the day of the attacks. False allegations have also been made against a Reuters photojournalist, who was seen documenting the attacks and was later greeted by one of the vandals. In the same incident, several journalists were assaulted, robbed, and intimidated. Additionally, Major Jos� Eduardo Natale de Paula Pereira of the Army, who has been stationed at the GSI since former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration, was seen providing water to protesters, and other military personnel who accompanied the former president were spotted in the building without reacting to the attacks.

STJ Minister Paulo de Tarso Sanseverino died at the age of 63. He had been absent in recent months due to health issues and was hospitalized in Porto Alegre, his birthplace. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Sanseverino had been a member of the STJ since 2010, appointed by then-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and served as a substitute minister at the TSE since September 2021, participating in the 2022 elections. Previously, he was a judge at the TJ-RS from 1999 to 2010.

The Federal Police of Brazil launched Operation Closed Circuit to investigate R$ 40 million in fraud at the National Department of Infrastructure and Transport (Dnit) through irregular contracting of an IT company. The fraudulent contracts were signed between 2012 and 2019, and the operation includes 9 temporary arrest warrants and 40 search and seizure warrants across the Federal District, São Paulo, Goiás, and Paraná. The operation also involves the freezing of R$ 40 million from the accounts of those investigated, the seizure of 6 properties, and 11 vehicles. This is the second phase of Operation Drawer, which began in February to investigate R$ 50.473.262,80 diverted from the Ministry of Labor through the same company. The scheme involved employees and resellers of the B.I. tool developer, public tenders rigged to favor the company, and public officials creating artificial demand for the company's products with restrictive clauses that prevented other competitors. The suspects may face charges including embezzlement, criminal organization, money laundering, bidding fraud, forgery, and active and passive corruption, with potential penalties of over 40 years in prison.

Brazil's public procurement process is set to undergo significant changes with the proposed new Bidding Law, which aims to modernize and streamline the process. The legislation, which has been in the works since 1995, was recently approved by a Special Committee in the Chamber of Deputies and is awaiting a plenary vote. Key changes include increased thresholds for bidding exemptions, harsher penalties for fraud, and the creation of a Public Procurement Portal. While the Ministry of Economy and the National Confederation of Municipalities have praised the updates, some experts believe the legislation could have gone further in enhancing transparency and anti-corruption measures.

Three months after its announcement, the Northeast Interstate Consortium for Sustainable Development, or Northeast Consortium, has become a reality, coordinated by the Government of Bahia. The consortium, signed by the governors of the Northeast region in March, is expected to be officially installed in the coming weeks, with a physical headquarters in Bahia. While Alagoas and Rio Grande do Norte have yet to publish the proposal, the Bahia Attorney General's Office considers the consortium established. Experts view the consortium as a positive step for regional development, allowing for joint procurement and integrated public security. Economists and legal scholars see potential for cost savings and more effective public-private partnerships. The consortium also aims to strengthen the region's negotiating power in financial matters.

The Democratic Labour Party (PDT) plans to take action against state deputy André Fernandes (PSL) at the Ethics Council of the Legislative Assembly of Ceará for alleged parliamentary decorum breach. The decision follows Fernandes' accusations against fellow lawmakers, specifically Nezinho Farias (PDT), of involvement with criminal factions. The PDT's state president, André Figueiredo, expressed solidarity with Nezinho and indignation at the baseless accusations. Nezinho defended his electronic games regulation proposal, which Fernandes criticized, clarifying that it targets video games, not illegal gambling. The controversy began when Fernandes made claims about legislators' involvement with criminal factions without providing evidence.

The State Comptroller's Office (CGE-CE) and the State Court of Auditors (TCE-CE) in Ceará have initiated steps to audit health consortia in the state, focusing on those in Camocim, Iguatu, and Vale do Curu. The audits are in response to political disputes and concerns over financial management, with the TCE-CE conducting compliance audits since 2014 and the CGE-CE focusing on process audits. No completion deadline is set, and the audits will not be simultaneous. Previous reports have highlighted issues with the health consortia's financial reporting, with many failing to provide necessary documents on their websites.

Health consortia in the interior of the state, responsible for managing facilities like Polyclinics and Dental Specialty Centers, have been receiving substantial public funds without proper accountability. The State Court of Auditors (TCE-CE) has been criticized for its delayed response to this issue, which has persisted since 2014. Last year, the state transferred a total of R$ 105 million to these consortia. The TCE-CE, along with the State Comptroller's Office (CGE-CE), is now preparing to scrutinize the consortia's accounts. The State Health Department has also begun efforts to oversee the consortia's operations, and the TCE-CE is set to meet with the CGE-CE to plan a series of audits.

Marcelo Ramos, president of the Special Commission discussing pension reform in the Chamber of Deputies, visited the Legislative Assembly of Ceará, emphasizing the need for the government to act sensibly in the final stages of the reform's progress. He highlighted the importance of the reform for fiscal adjustment and expects the Commission to approve the text by the end of the next month, contingent on the rapporteur Samuel Moreira presenting his report and the government's support. Ramos suggested changes to the reform, such as excluding alterations to rural retirement, teachers' pension systems, and the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC). State Planning Secretary Mauro Filho agreed on the necessity of the reform but also advocated for modifications, noting the state's own reform efforts.

Deputies in the Legislative Assembly of Ceará are working to increase their legislative powers, historically limited by the constitution. Audic Mota (PSB) is leading the charge with his Budgetary Imposition project, which mandates that 0.9% of state revenue be spent on parliamentary amendments. Elmano de Freitas (PT) and Renato Roseno (Psol) are also advocating for greater legislative participation, with Roseno having successfully passed a law banning aerial pesticide spraying, now challenged by the National Confederation of Agriculture at the Supreme Court. The deputies argue for a need to expand their legislative capabilities, comparing their limited powers unfavorably to those of U.S. state assemblies.

A heated debate occurred in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Ceará regarding a state government project offering fiscal benefits to the oil and gas refining sector. The project, stemming from a Confaz decision, aims to recover approximately R$ 100 million by granting presumed ICMS tax credits for 2016-2018. Amendments proposed by Deputy Nelinho were rejected, leading to accusations from PSL members that the state was favoring large companies. PT members retaliated, criticizing the PSL's federal government policies. Despite the controversy, the Assembly approved an update to the career plan for Detran employees without major disagreements.

An amendment authored by Deputy Osmar Baquit was approved by the Justice Committee of the Legislative Assembly, allowing councilors of the State Court of Accounts (TCE-CE) on non-punitive leave due to the abolition of their positions to engage in other activities without resigning. The amendment is part of a broader proposal by Baquit to relax retirement rules for councilors from the now-defunct Court of Accounts of the Municipalities of Ceará (TCM-CE). Critics argue the proposal may be unconstitutional, while the Legislative Attorney's Office defends the Assembly's right to legislate on the matter, citing a gap in federal regulations. The amendment extends the period for councilors to opt into the more flexible rules from 90 to 180 days.

The Ceará Legislative Assembly unanimously approved the creation of the Public Works Superintendence (SOP), a new body resulting from the merger of the State Department of Roads (DER) and the Department of Architecture and Engineering (DAE). The SOP will centralize all engineering works, both heavy and civil, for the State Government. The initiative is expected to save R$ 760,000 annually by unifying physical structures and eliminating positions. The approved legislation also mandates that positions within the SOP be filled through public competitions. The SOP's operational date is not yet defined.

The Legislative Prosecution of AL has given a favorable opinion to a Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) introduced by Deputy Audic Mota (PSB), which mandates the execution of parliamentary amendments by the State Government, known as 'mandatory budget'. The proposal, which allocates 0.9% of net current revenue to individual deputies' amendments, with half directed to health care, will now move to the Commission of Constitution and Justice (CCJ) for further analysis. Despite the favorable opinion from the Legislative Prosecution, the future rapporteur's opinion is not guaranteed to be positive, although historically, such opinions are usually upheld. The PEC aims to enhance transparency and public planning in Brazil, granting the legislature more autonomy in budgetary matters.

The Legislative Assembly of Ceará approved a controversial bill authorizing the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sports arenas, with a 23 to 14 vote. The bill, authored by Evandro Leitão of the PDT party, allows up to two 500 ml drinks per fan, with a maximum alcohol content of 10%. The sale will start two hours before matches and end 15 minutes before they finish. The bill now awaits the governor's sanction. Amendments include providing internet in the stadium, monitors to inform about the rules, and a quota for local artisanal drinks. The Ministry of Public Affairs is prepared to challenge the law if sanctioned.

On the day before the vote on a bill to legalize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in stadiums in Ceará, opponents dominated the discussion in the Legislative Assembly. The bill, authored by Deputy Evandro Leitão of the PDT, is set for a vote with at least 11 proposed amendments. Critics, including Bruno Gonçalves and Silvana Oliveira, voiced concerns about public health and safety, while supporters were less vocal. Amendments suggested by various deputies include revenue allocation, prohibition zones, and monitoring systems. The bill has been in consideration since at least 2015 but faced opposition from the then-president of the Assembly, Zezinho Albuquerque.

The Legislative Assembly of Ceará is holding an atypical session to address a backlog of matters, including a bill authorizing the creation of the 'Northeast Consortium' for regional partnerships. The government seeks to pass three messages, with the most notable being the ratification of the 'Northeast Consortium.' Additionally, a controversial bill to allow alcohol in stadiums is set to be voted on Thursday, with a public hearing scheduled for today. An online poll showed majority support for the proposal, especially among regular stadium-goers, while non-attendees largely opposed it.

The proposed amendment to the state constitution in Ceará, Brazil, which would allow special retirement for counselors from the extinct Tribunal de Contas dos Municípios do Ceará (TCM-CE), is facing constitutional challenges. Critics, including Gleydson Alexandre, the state's prosecutor-general of accounts, argue that the amendment may be unconstitutional as it does not comply with the cumulative requirements for public servant retirement stated in the Constitution. The debate follows the controversial extinction of TCM-CE in 2017 and subsequent transfer of its functions to the Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará (TCE-CE), a move that was upheld by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). The situation is further complicated by past political disputes and the criteria for appointing successors to the TCE.

The Legislative Assembly of the State of Ceará (AL-CE) is set to vote on a controversial bill next week that would allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in stadiums. The bill, authored by Evandro Leitão of the PDT party, has been in the works since at least 2015 but gained momentum in March this year. Opponents, including Zezinho Albuquerque and Walter Cavalcante, argue against the bill, citing concerns about alcohol-related violence and public health. Supporters, such as Osmar Baquit and Salmito Filho, defend the bill on cultural and economic grounds. A public hearing is scheduled for the following Tuesday to discuss the matter before the vote.

The Special Commission of Projects Altering the Master Plan at the Câmara Municipal de Fortaleza unanimously approved a report by Councilor Renan Colares (PDT) for the City Code proposed by the Executive, which has been under consideration since the last legislature. The proposal is a priority for the Fortaleza City Hall. The commission is preparing to analyze over 200 amendments submitted by councilors. Opposition councilor Sargento Reginauro (PROS) and others expect to correct any distortions in the text through these amendments. The City Hall has been attempting to pass the City Code since 2016, but various delays have postponed its approval.

Mayors in Ceará are expressing dissatisfaction with new rules imposed by the State Health Department (Sesa) for public health consortia, claiming a loss of autonomy and lack of consultation in the decision-making process. A commission was formed during an Association of Mayors of the State of Ceará (Aprece) meeting to present their grievances to Governor Camilo Santana. The mayors argue that municipalities, which fund 60% of consortia operations, should have more say in the management, including the selection of trusted personnel. Despite the criticism, Aprece President Nilson Diniz acknowledges the need for modernization and supports the health secretary's efforts. Sesa responded to the criticism by noting their participation in the recent meeting and stated they have not received any formal demands for changes to the new rules.

The Association of Mayors of Ceará (Aprece) is holding a closed meeting with some health consortium presidents to discuss new regulations imposed by the State Health Department (Sesa). The meeting aims to listen to the consortium presidents, who are at the center of political disputes that have led to confrontations in the interior. The State Health Department has introduced technical criteria for consortium leadership positions, leading to complaints and calls for explanations in the Legislative Assembly. An audit has been announced for the Camocim consortium, and there is a mobilization in support of Health Secretary Dr. Cabeto, who some are trying to remove from office.

State deputies from the Ceará Legislative Assembly, part of Governor Camilo Santana's broad allied base, have expressed various dissatisfactions with the state government. Complaints include delays in the release of budget amendments, difficulties in scheduling meetings with government secretaries, and a lack of dialogue regarding appointments to third-tier government positions. The situation has been exacerbated by the government's adoption of technical criteria for appointments, leading to political disputes. Despite these issues, Nelson Martins, the Government's Institutional Relations Advisor, insists that dialogue with parliamentarians is ongoing and that the execution of budget amendments is high, often hindered by municipalities' failure to meet legal requirements.

State deputy Heitor Férrer plans to request an investigation by the Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará into super salaries within the Ceará executive branch, as reported by Diário do Nordeste. He previously sought investigation into retirements above the constitutional cap and may include new information in his complaint. Vitor Valim criticized the situation as a clear disrespect and a privileged caste issue, while Acrísio Sena argued that such cases are exceptions and require individual analysis, considering judicial decisions and career achievements.

The delay in defining third-tier government positions in the state of Ceará, Brazil, has caused discomfort among allies of Governor Camilo Santana (PT) in the state legislature. Discussions on the occupation of these positions, which were vacated at the end of the first administration, are expected to begin after Easter. The state government is considering adopting technical criteria for these and other commissioned posts, a change from the previous electoral criteria. The government's delay in discussing these positions with legislators and defining new criteria has led to increased discomfort due to the impact on the functioning of government agencies and pressure from electoral bases. The government is also dealing with disputes within the health sector, where it has started to apply objective criteria for selecting health consortium presidents. The government's base has grown, but the number of available positions has decreased due to a reform that eliminated nearly a thousand commissioned jobs, aiming to save R$27 million a year.

Political disputes over health consortia in the state of Ceará have led to a battle over requests in the Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers are calling for audits of consortia responsible for managing polyclinics and dental specialty centers during terms associated with political adversaries. A request by State Deputy Agenor Neto (MDB) for information from the State Health Department (Sesa) on the health consortia's performance sparked a heated debate. The dispute intensified with the Sesa's decision to adopt technical indices as criteria for supporting consortium presidency candidates, influencing political control over these entities.

An investigation has been launched into the gang rape of a 9-year-old boy by five other boys aged 9 to 13 at a public school in Fortaleza, Ceará. The victim, who has Attention Deficit Disorder and has been bullied previously, was attacked within the school premises. The school did not provide assistance after the incident, and the case is being handled by the Delegacia da Criança e do Adolescente and the Secretaria Municipal de Educação. The Câmara Municipal de Fortaleza's human rights committee plans to inquire about the school's response to the assault. This incident comes amid a series of reported gang rapes in Brazil, including a recent case in Rio where a teenage girl was raped by over 30 men.