Motta's strategy to calm Bolsonaro supporters by choosing the rapporteur for the IOF overturn

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) , adopted a maneuver to contain the growing dissatisfaction of the PL, the main opposition party, with his leadership of the House. After rejecting the nomination of Deputy Coronel Chrisóstomo (PL-RO) for the rapporteurship of the CPMI of the INSS – a position sought by the party – , Motta gave the party the rapporteurship of another important issue: the bill that aims to overturn the increase of the IOF , decreed by the Lula government (PT).

The move, which surprised the Planalto Palace, has been seen behind the scenes as a “consolation prize” for the PL. Chrisóstomo, who had been considered to take on the role of rapporteur for the commission that will investigate fraud at the INSS, ended up being overlooked by Motta on the grounds that the position would require “political balance” and party independence. The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies stated that the rapporteurship could not go to the PL, just as the presidency of the Senate was not given to the PT.

The choice of Chrisóstomo to report on the legislative decree project that suspends the increase in the IOF puts the deputy back in a prominent position, precisely at a time when the government is trying to reverse the agenda that is advancing with the support of the opposition. The text will be put to a vote this Wednesday the 25th and has gathered significant support, with estimates of more than 300 votes in favor.

In the corridors of Congress, the choice is seen as a calculated gesture by Motta: it denies the PL control of a sensitive committee, such as the CPMI, but compensates with a leading role in a fiscal agenda with strong popular appeal and potential wear and tear on the Lula government .

The decision to schedule and expedite the proposal that blocks the increase in the IOF was taken unilaterally on the night of Tuesday 24th. The leader of the PT in the Chamber, deputy Lindbergh Farias (RJ), expressed surprise and discomfort, mainly due to the fact that the session was virtual.

With the report in the hands of a Bolsonaro supporter and the articulated support of the PL, the tendency is for the project to advance quickly, increasing the tension between the Legislative and Executive branches .