Brazil’s Senate unanimously approved on Tuesday, November 3, a constitutional amendment that strengthens the federal government’s role in fighting criminal gangs, advancing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s security agenda before Congress formally announces it as law.
Senators backed it 73–0 in the first round and 75–0 in the second. The amendment puts Brazil’s Unified Public Security System in the Constitution. It expands coordination among federal, state and municipal authorities.
It sets tougher rules for gang leaders and members, including mandatory placement in high-security prisons and limits on certain benefits. It also allows authorities to seize assets linked to criminal activity. The amendment does not directly create the new ministry Lula has promised.
Lula has said he plans to establish the ministry separately after the vote. Senators left proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility out of the amendment. They chose to consider that issue separately.
The Senate vote followed approval by the lower house in March. The measure now goes to Congress for a formal announcement as law, rather than presidential signature. The package is intended to improve national coordination against organized crime.
Organized crime has figured prominently in Brazil’s political debate.