Allies of former President Bolsonaro in Brazil have reignited efforts in Congress to advance an amnesty bill following his conviction of more than 27 years in prison for leading an attempted coup.

The proposal, previously discussed before his trial, has gained momentum in recent months, particularly after São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas publicly endorsed the ex-president as a potential candidate for the 2026 elections. 

This week, De Freitas is expected to meet with other opposition leaders to continue drafting the amnesty proposal with the goal of formally presenting it in Congress. At the same time, there is speculation that the governor may lead the Brazilian right in next year’s elections, consolidating his political influence. 

De Freitas’ main challenge is not only securing support from Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party (PL) allies, which include Progresistas and União Brasil, but also persuading the so-called “centrão,” a bloc of parliamentarians with no clear ideological alignment who act according to their own interests.

Additionally, he must convince the Speaker of the House, Hugo Motta, to include the amnesty on Congress’ agenda, even though it would face opposition in the Senate from David Alcolumbre, who supports an alternative proposal without a general pardon. 

At recent rallies, De Freitas joined in attacks against the Supreme Court and, in the presence of former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, defended amnesty for those involved in the January 8, 2023 riots, which led to the ex-president’s conviction.

The Supreme Court had previously rejected any amnesty attempt as unconstitutional, and some legal experts note that even an approved bill would not fully absolve Bolsonaro of all pending charges. 

Bolsonaro and a request for help before sentencing

De Freitas, however, has insisted on social media that amnesty would be “one of the best remedies to pacify the country,” even promising to pardon Bolsonaro if he wins next year’s elections. The proposal has divided Brazil’s right-wing factions, which have yet to reach consensus on their electoral strategy for 2026. 

Despite the push for amnesty, Bolsonaro remains central due to his electoral weight. Political analysts note that while amnesty could improve his legal situation partially and strengthen his support base, it would not resolve all pending charges or erase the controversy surrounding his leadership in Brazil. 

The situation leaves the country in a delicate political state: the right seeks to consolidate its unity ahead of the next elections, while opposition forces and judicial sectors warn about the risks of a general pardon potentially undermining democratic institutions.

In this context, Bolsonaro continues to be a polarizing figure whose political future will depend both on the outcome of Congressional negotiations and his ability to mobilize supporters for 2026.