Arthur Lira: The Powerful Former Speaker Under Judicial Scrutiny

Arthur Lira, a federal deputy from the state of Alagoas, ended his term as Speaker of Brazil’s House of Deputies in February 2025. Although he no longer holds the position, his political influence remains significant — especially due to his central role in the “Centrão,” the informal bloc of transactional power brokers, and the various legal and ethical controversies that have marked his career.

Political Rise and Strategic Alliances

Lira built his political career through strategic alliances and by controlling parliamentary budget amendments. This gave him enormous leverage over both lawmakers and the executive branch. During his time as Speaker, he became a key figure in distributing public funds through “rapporteur amendments” — a mechanism later denounced for its lack of transparency and alleged misuse for political favors.

Legal Troubles and Investigations

Throughout his career, Arthur Lira has been entangled in several legal controversies and criminal investigations:

1. Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato)

In 2015, Lira was indicted by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) for his alleged involvement in the Petrobras corruption scheme uncovered by Operation Car Wash. Although he managed to avoid conviction, the investigation left his reputation under a permanent cloud.

2. “Rachadinha” Scheme

Lira has also been investigated for operating a salary-kickback scheme — known in Brazil as “rachadinha” — where congressional staff are forced to return part of their salaries to the politician who hired them. Banking records and testimonies emerged, but the case was shelved under political pressure.

3. Secret Budget Scandal

Lira was one of the central figures in the "Orçamento Secreto" (Secret Budget) scandal, a shadowy scheme involving billions in public funds distributed without transparency through rapporteur amendments (RP9). While never officially charged, he remains under suspicion by independent auditors and civil society watchdogs.

Out of the Spotlight, Still Pulling Strings

Arthur Lira may have left the Speaker’s chair, replaced in 2025 by Hugo Motta, but he continues to exert influence from the backbenches. During his farewell speech, Lira stated he would return to the "factory floor" of Congress — a thinly veiled signal that he still plans to pull strings from behind the scenes.

He remains a crucial power player in the Chamber of Deputies, working through loyalists and allies to shape legislation and protect his interests.

A System Built on Impunity

Despite years of scandals and investigations, Lira has managed to avoid serious legal consequences. This is largely due to Brazil's political structure, where sitting lawmakers enjoy special legal protections, and where political influence can often shield one from prosecution.

Brazil’s system of parliamentary immunity, combined with the Centrão’s dominance in Congress, has created an environment in which powerful politicians like Lira remain largely untouchable — even when mounting evidence suggests otherwise.

Legacy of Transactional Politics

Arthur Lira’s political legacy is not one of democratic reform or institutional strength. Instead, he symbolizes the persistence of transactional politics in Brazil — where public funds become bargaining chips, and power is maintained through a complex web of patronage, secrecy, and legislative control.

He exemplifies a type of politician who thrives not on ideological battles, but on quiet deals, backroom negotiations, and discretionary budgets.

📚 Further Reading (Portuguese Sources):

• Brasil 247 - Como Arthur Lira se blindou no comando da Câmara

• ICL Notícias - Arthur Lira