Lula government replaces INSS chief amid persistent queues and campaign concerns

The Lula administration dismissed Gilberto Waller, the president of the INSS, and appointed Ana Cristina Viana Silveira to take the post. The government said the move responded to long queues at the INSS that were damaging its image ahead of the election, and the change was meant to show quick action during the campaign. Lula’s team said Waller had been important in stabilizing operations after the scandal, but he was not from the sector and thus could not complete the necessary fixes.

Minister Wolney Queiroz from Previdência announced the decision, citing a lack of substantive operational improvements and an escalation in the queue problem that affects millions of requests. The reshuffle signals the administration’s effort to address public dissatisfaction and demonstrate accountability ahead of elections.