Bruno Souza proposes plebiscite for Southern Brazil secession

Bruno Souza, an elected state deputy from Santa Catarina representing the Liberal Party (PL), has announced plans to propose a plebiscite to consult the population on the possibility of separating the Southern region of Brazil from the rest of the country.

Following the 2026 presidential election victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Souza argued that the Southern states—Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul—possess distinct political priorities, values, and economic interests. He noted that the region showed strong support for Flávio Bolsonaro, contrasting with the national result.

Legal experts and constitutional scholars emphasize that such a proposal is unconstitutional. Article 1 of the Brazilian Constitution defines the Republic as an indissoluble union of states and municipalities. Furthermore, the federalist form of the state is a 'cláusula pétrea' (entrenched clause), meaning it cannot be abolished even through constitutional amendments. Experts noted that a state deputy lacks the legal authority to convene a national plebiscite, a power that rests with the National Congress.