Brazilian Senate elects Davi Alcolumbre for a second term as president

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 09:39

Davi Alcolumbre has been re-elected as President of the Brazilian Senate for a second term, securing 73 votes. He previously held the position from 2019 to 2021 and will continue in this role until 2027. His election received strong support from various political figures, including the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Born in 1977 in Amapá, Brazil, Alcolumbre has Moroccan Jewish roots. His maternal grandparents, originally from Tangier, Morocco, immigrated to Brazil over a century ago. He is a member of the center-right União Brasil party.

Alcolumbre's connection to Morocco has been visible in his diplomatic engagements, such as a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in 2019. He has also expressed pride in his heritage during his first term as Senate President.

With a political career spanning more than two decades, Alcolumbre began as a municipal councilor in 2001 and was elected to the Senate in 2015. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was notable for securing emergency aid for vulnerable populations.

In his victory speech, Alcolumbre emphasized the need for an independent and sovereign Senate, cautioning against political extremism and reaffirming his commitment to upholding legislative powers. His election comes during a period of significant political tension between Brazil’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Additionally, his alignment with Brazil’s current pro-Israel government has attracted attention from Israeli media, which has noted that Alcolumbre’s election is seen as beneficial for Israeli-Brazilian relations.