🇧🇷Week of October 5

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro said his remarks about changing the Constitution 'to redemocratize the country' referred to a reform of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the end of re-election. He also mentioned changes to the age of criminal responsibility and tax rules as targets. The statements were made after he had spoken without detail about 'changing the Constitution'.123

Flávio Bolsonaro said that if elected, he would use the 'political capital' from the start of his government to try to end re-election. He framed the constitutional changes as part of a broader effort to redemocratize the country.45

Former STF Justice Celso de Mello rebuked Flávio Bolsonaro, saying that 'reforming the Constitution does not authorize the winner of elections to destroy it.' The rebuke was reported by O Globo, a centre-right outlet. UOL and Migalhas published explainers on what Flávio could change with a congressional majority and the limits of such changes.678

Attributed claim: Brasil 247, a mixed outlet, described Flávio Bolsonaro's clarification as a 'recuo' (backtrack), while G1 and Diário Gaúcho reported his statement as an explanation of his earlier remarks. The disagreement is over framing: whether he retreated or simply clarified.534

Supreme Federal Court Justice Kassio Nunes Marques is considering releasing former President Jair Bolsonaro after the second round of the elections and has confirmed he will analyze the criminal review of Bolsonaro's case. He said he will bring the matter to the full plenary of the STF. Other STF justices have indicated to Nunes Marques that the criminal review should go to the plenary.1234567891011

Justice Edson Fachin is expected to take the criminal review case of Bolsonaro to the full plenary of the STF. Nunes Marques said he will bring the criminal review to the plenary after the second round of the elections. The case involves a criminal review that could affect Bolsonaro's detention.47

Nunes Marques has discussed the possibility of releasing Bolsonaro and 'zeroing' the trial after the second round. The move would come after the elections, according to reports. The STF justices' indication that the case should go to the plenary suggests a collective decision rather than an individual one.81

An opinion piece in Estadão argues that a large bench is not a blank check, in an apparent reference to the STF's role. The piece was published amid discussions over the criminal review of Bolsonaro. The opinion column does not directly address the specifics of the case but comments on broader institutional issues.3

Brazil's ban on betting sites has led to layoffs in the sector, according to VEJA. The prohibition has also prompted gambling addicts to report harassment from Chinese betting sites, which multiply as soon as one is taken down, Estadão reports. The ban is part of a broader government measure that has disrupted the online betting market.12

Betting companies have begun informing banks about R$ 1.3 billion that must be returned to customers, Agência Brasil reports. This refund process follows the prohibition of their operations. The total amount to be returned is R$ 1.3 billion.3

Attributed claim: The National Confederation of Commerce (CNC) has asked the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to maintain the provisional measure (MP) banning bets, citing 'income drainage' and 'impact on retail,' O Globo reports. In contrast, betting companies have requested that Justice Luiz Fux suspend the MP until a hearing requested by the Attorney General's Office (AGU), according to Gazeta do Povo. The CNC argues the ban protects retail, while the betting companies seek to delay its effects.45

The TSE is set to rule on a request from candidate Garotinho that could define the Rio de Janeiro election in the first round. The court is examining a parecer that endorses the candidate's withdrawal from the race.12

A lawyer for Garotinho appears in TSE records as the author of a parecer favoring his withdrawal from the election. The document is linked to a submission by the federal prosecutors' office (MP Eleitoral) at the TSE.234

Attributed claim: The PGE denied that Garotinho's lawyer authored a parecer favorable to the candidate's withdrawal. The denial came after the lawyer was identified as the creator of a document used in a PGE parecer submitted to the TSE.56

Rio mayor Eduardo Paes asked the TSE to count Garotinho's votes, citing the integrity of the election. The request was made as the court prepares to judge Garotinho's case.71

The World Health Organization released its first global guideline on obesity in children and adolescents, aimed at countering rising obesity rates in that age group. The guidance recommends dietary changes and physical exercise rather than weight-loss injections for children with obesity.1234

The guideline advises against obesity treatments for children under 10 years old, according to coverage of the WHO alert. The recommendation places nutrition and physical activity ahead of pharmaceutical options such as weight-loss pens.45