Rio de Janeiro interim governor Ricardo Couto faces veto and federal backing

Interim governor Ricardo Couto vetoed a bill that would have created separate public restrooms exclusively for trans people, deeming it unconstitutional and segregationist. The decision was praised by transgender rights advocates who called it a victory for dignity and inclusion.

President Luiz Inácio Lula announced that the federal government will not block Rio de Janeiro’s participation in the Propag program, which restructures state debt payments to the Union. Lula said the state can use the program as a model of “good governance” and reduce its monthly debt service from about R$ 490 million to R$ 113 million over five years.

Both moves highlight the interim governor’s actions on social policy and fiscal reform as Rio seeks to address its financial challenges while navigating broader political debates.