Government weighs diplomacy over retaliation after U.S. penalties on officials and exports
10/02/2025
The federal government will focus on resuming negotiations with the United States before moving forward with discussions around an “anti-sanctions law,” Valor has learned. The proposal aims to protect Brazilian authorities and institutions, such as banks, from international sanctions.
Although the measure is supported by prominent figures such as Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, people close to the government believe it is best to wait before moving forward with the proposal. The Executive branch plans to resume diplomatic talks with the U.S. According to four officials, it is wiser to focus on a diplomatic solution rather than take measures that could be perceived as retaliation. A Supreme Court justice also pointed out that what matters for now is discussing the issue, even if no immediate action is taken.
On Tuesday (30), Justice Mendes said that the three branches of government are discussing the possibility of an anti-sanctions law. Valor has learned that the subject is under review by the Federal Attorney General’s Office (AGU) and has not yet been referred to the Chief of Staff Office.
“We are exploring a debate on an anti-sanctions law to shield authorities and entities facing secondary sanctions, such as banks and service providers,” Mr. Mendes said Tuesday at an event.
He added that the discussion among the legislative, executive, and judiciary was triggered by U.S. measures under the Magnitsky Act against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, as well as the revocation of U.S. visas for Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.
“In Europe, there have already been several debates and decisions on this, in light of embargoes applied to Cuba and Iran. Recently, we witnessed the cancellation of visas for Brazilian officials, including the health minister, as well as the application of the Magnitsky Act to one of our colleagues. This phenomenon is also occurring with European authorities,” he pointed out.
In September, the Supreme Court’s First Panel sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for attempting a coup d’état. During the trial, the U.S. government announced various sanctions against Brazil’s judiciary and President Lula’s administration, including visa revocations. Washington also imposed a 50% tariff increase on Brazilian exports.
The announcements, made by White House officials, cited the coup plot trial against the former president. When imposing the tariffs in July, U.S. President Donald Trump said there was a “witch hunt” against Mr. Bolsonaro.
In Mr. Padilha’s case, the U.S. government revoked visas in August for public officials involved in overseeing the More Doctors program. The action was connected to Mr. Trump’s decision to penalize Brazil for the participation of Cuban doctors in the program.
*By Tiago Angelo, Giullia Colombo, Sofia Aguiar and Renan Truffi — Brasília
Source: Valor International
https://valorinternational.globo.com/