There is no doubt that the Anti-Faction Bill (PL) currently being processed in Congress is extremely important for Brazilian society. That is why the politicization surrounding this proposal has become regrettable and harmful, with opposition parties and the government strategizing for electoral gain. Not all disagreements have been overcome, but it is essential that they be overcome.
The process got off to a bad start when Chamber of Commerce President Hugo Motta (R-PB) chose hardline deputy Guilherme Delight (PP-SP), a security secretary authorized by the city of São Paulo, to be the project rapporteur. It was predictable that this choice would intensify the anger. The first version proposed by Delight contained errors such as trying to equate criminal factions with terrorist groups and restricting the autonomy of the Federal Police (PF). Planalt’s reaction was irrational. The executive representative also considered appealing to the Supreme Court. The government and opposition are fighting for their respective supporters on social media, forgetting that the enemy is someone else. Although Motta and Delight corrected the major distortions and presented a version closer to the original proposal, Planalt remained dissatisfied.
- Organized crime: Delight presents the fourth version of the Anti-Faction Project, Planalt fails to reach consensus and vote is postponed
Overall, the PL maintains the autonomy and authority of the PF, does not change anti-terrorism laws, does not equate factions with terrorist groups, increases penalties for crimes committed by criminal organizations, and integrates state and national databases. All of this represents progress. However, for the government, there was some overlap with other laws. The issue of reduction of PF resources and asset confiscation. Delight presented another version of the document that sought to take this into account, and the vote was postponed.
As forces grow and military sophistication increases, there is an urgent need to adapt the law to the frightening reality that organized crime is expanding across the country. At least 64 factions are active in Brazil. According to data from the Brazilian Information Agency (Abin), three of them are of national scope and 31 affect the security of the entire country.
- invoice: Delight says he wants to protect the text of the Anti-Faction PL from controversy at the STF, indicating acceptance of the new changes.
Current legislation does not provide States with adequate means to effectively combat such groups. The fight against organized crime requires the integration and coordination of all security forces. Use intelligence and investigative skills to economically suppress gangs. Crack down on money laundering and formal market infiltration. Ensure that assets obtained through crime are promptly interdicted, confiscated and returned to the national treasury. Retake territory occupied by each faction through joint action by the forces of law. It will ensure police enforcement and the continued provision of public services such as schools, sports and cultural centres, banks and post offices.
Given this reality, it is unfortunate that a project of such importance to Brazil has caused such a stir as a forum for conflict between the opposition and government in the run-up to 2026. It is hoped that the interests of society will not be put on the back burner in the future. Anti-sectarian laws should be seen as a national project, not as a trigger for electoral disputes. Proposals need to be discussed from a technical perspective, without ideological contamination. It will not be difficult to reach agreement in this priority area, which is currently of greatest concern to Brazilians. Congress and the government have a unique opportunity to make a valuable contribution to Brazil. They can’t waste it.
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