A group representing Brazil’s agribusiness sector is pushing for the quick passage of a bill in Congress to counter a recent Supreme Court decision that rejected their proposal to restrict recognition of Indigenous lands. In addition, they are supporting constitutional amendments aimed at changing the rights of Indigenous people to their ancestral lands, according to Pedro Lupion, the president of the farm lobby.
In an interview, Lupion stated that regardless of the court’s actions, they will continue with their plans for legislation. Last week, the Supreme Court voted against establishing a deadline for new reservations on lands not inhabited by Indigenous people before the enactment of the Constitution in 1988.
A bill proposing a 1988 deadline for land claims was approved by the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee and is expected to be voted on in the plenary by the end of the day, sponsored by Senator Marcos Rogerio.
This offensive by the farm lobby could further deepen the divide between a conservative-led Congress and a Supreme Court that many lawmakers criticize for exceeding its jurisdiction. As Brazil’s agricultural frontier expands into the Amazon region, the number of land conflicts has increased, with Indigenous communities claiming land settled and developed by farmers for decades.
Lupion highlighted that bill PL 490, which has already passed the lower chamber, is likely to face a veto by leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has promised to legalize around 300 reservations awaiting recognition and protection by the state.
The farm lobby’s next focus is on passing constitutional amendment PEC 132, which would establish compensation for farmers who are forced to leave land they settled up to 70 years ago.
The Supreme Court has yet to determine the terms of compensation for expelled farmers. However, this could potentially be expensive for a government with limited resources and facing fiscal deficits. The farm lobby is pushing for compensation to be paid before evictions rather than after.
The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples stated that it does not have an estimate of the cost of compensating expelled farmers but is currently working on assessing the situation.
Another proposed amendment, PEC 48, aims to directly include the October 5, 1988 cut-off date in the text of the Constitution.
The farm lobby is confident in its ability to gather enough votes for the legislation it supports since caucus members comprise a majority in the lower house and half of the senate seats.
Lupion met with leaders of 15 other congressional caucuses to discuss ways to counter the Supreme Court’s perceived encroachment on the jurisdiction of Congress, such as ruling on issues related to drug legalization and abortion decriminalization.
A statement released by his group emphasized their intention to take necessary measures to restore balance between the powers.
Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Barbara Lewis and Grant McCool
Credit: The Star : News Feed
