Brazil mandates political education in schools and launches national ethics week

The Brazilian presidency signed two federal laws on 14 July 2026. Law 15.468/2026 amends the National Education Guidelines and Bases Law (LDB) to make political education and citizenship rights a compulsory component of the basic education curriculum, requiring schools to teach students about the structure of the state, democratic participation and civic duties. Law 15.467/2026 establishes the National Ethics and Citizenship Week, scheduled for the first week of May, during which public institutions, schools and civil‑society groups may organize events that promote ethical values, combat corruption and strengthen civic engagement.

Separately, the Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Citizenship Committee approved a bill creating a National Education Citizenship Week, to be held annually in the second week of August. The proposal, supported by rapporteur Deputy Laura Carneiro (PSD‑RJ) and amended to use “equity between men and women,” will also aim to foster civic education, political literacy and inclusive dialogue across the country.

Both legislative actions are part of the Lula administration’s broader effort to deepen democratic culture and civic participation among Brazil’s youth.