Brazilian Senate to Consider End of 6x1 Work Schedule Amid Election Push

The Brazilian Senate is expected to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule this week. The proposal aims to reduce the weekly work hours from 44 to 40 and ensure two days of paid rest per week without reducing salaries. The measure must first be analyzed by the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) on Wednesday before moving to the plenary. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin expressed optimism that the vote could occur in the coming days, noting a global trend toward reduced working hours enabled by technology. A center leaning source framed the government's push for a quick vote as a strategic move to exploit the issue during the upcoming election campaign. A left leaning source described the effort as a concentrated push by Congress to finalize key votes before the electoral recess.

Other legislative priorities for the week include a bill creating a National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals and a measure regarding import taxes on international purchases under 50 dollars. Meanwhile, the government is managing diplomatic and internal tensions. Vice President Alckmin highlighted positive conversations between President Lula and Donald Trump regarding the removal of tariffs and potential investments in data centers. Internally, the government is attempting to resolve divergences between the Federal Police and the Supreme Federal Court regarding high profile political investigations. Additionally, the electoral cycle is intensifying with the start of free campaign advertising and a series of candidate interviews scheduled for the coming week.