Internal conflict within Brazilian Workers' Party leadership

Edinho Silva, the national president of the Workers' Party (PT), has faced internal criticism following the first round of the 2026 presidential election. Party members expressed dissatisfaction with his centralized management of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign, leading to the expansion of campaign coordination to include other party leaders.

Silva has also engaged in various legislative and institutional debates. He publicly opposed a bill that would remove identification requirements from ammunition, arguing that such a move would benefit organized crime. Regarding the judiciary, Silva stated the PT would not support impeachment proceedings against Supreme Federal Court ministers to avoid weakening democratic institutions. He also addressed economic priorities, noting that the party is focused on income tax reforms rather than the creation of new wealth taxes.

Following a National Executive meeting, Silva is reportedly working to remove members of a faction known as the “centrão petista” with the approval of President Lula. This movement aims to reorganize the party and build a new internal majority. A primary target of this initiative is Washington Quaquá, the mayor of Maricá and national vice-president of the PT. Silva has accused certain leaders, including Quaquá, of failing to properly support Lula during the presidential campaign.

Quaquá has denied these allegations, stating he coordinated mobilization in Rio de Janeiro. He responded by calling Silva “a liar, incompetent, and a gossip.” Quaquá has indicated he will request a meeting with President Lula to address the situation, accusing Silva of acting as if he owned the party. He suggested the push for removals might be retaliation for his intention to run for the party’s national leadership.