Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has struck a decisive blow against impunity, vetoing a controversial bill passed by Congress that sought to drastically reduce the prison sentence of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

The veto comes on the third anniversary of the January 8 riots, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília in a failed coup attempt. Lula used the occasion to reaffirm the resilience of Brazil’s democracy, sending a clear message that those who attack the state will face the full weight of the law.

The Politics of Pardon

Bolsonaro, 70, is currently serving a sentence for plotting a coup. His allies in the conservative-dominated Congress had pushed through a bill to cut his term from 27 years to just two, arguing he is a victim of a "witch-hunt." Lula’s veto blocks this escape route.

• Democracy’s Victory: "January 8 is etched in our history," Lula declared. "We defeated those who tried to seize power by force."
• The Trump Parallel: Bolsonaro’s plight mirrors that of his ally Donald Trump, though their fates have diverged. While Trump reclaimed the White House, Bolsonaro languishes in a cell—a contrast in how different democracies handle populist threats.
• What Next: Congress could attempt to override the veto, setting the stage for a constitutional showdown. However, for now, the far-right leader remains behind bars.

A Nation Polarized

Brazil remains deeply divided. For half the country, Lula is a savior protecting the constitution; for the other half, he is a vindictive tyrant. The veto ensures that the ghost of Bolsonaro will continue to haunt Brazilian politics for years to come.