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PT considers lowering the age of criminal responsibility in response to Bolsonaro proposal

The PT is analyzing the possibility of proposing a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility as a reaction to Bolsonaro's amendment to the Public Security PEC.

16 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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PT considers lowering the age of criminal responsibility in response to Bolsonaro proposal — Photo: Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Pará · Flickr · PDM

The PT in the Senate is considering the proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility in response to an amendment from Flávio Bolsonaro to the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) for Public Security. This amendment suggests changing the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 years for heinous crimes. Historically, the PT has opposed this change, but it seems to be contemplating a more pragmatic approach to mitigate the social and electoral impact that this amendment could have.

The base of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government is also discussing the inclusion of a restricted version of this reduction in the PEC for Public Security. The goal is to make Flávio Bolsonaro's proposal, which stands out among his campaign agendas, less viable. Internal discussions among government allies indicate divisions over this strategy.

In contrast to this possibility, some government members have expressed resistance to the idea of a PT amendment proposing a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility. The proposal was poorly received, with government supporters arguing that it should be rejected even before being officially presented.

Lula, for his part, confirmed in a recent interview with TV Globo that he supports lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 16 years specifically for heinous crimes. He emphasized that this issue should be treated separately from the discussion surrounding the PEC for Public Security.

Despite Lula showing support for a position that lowers the age of criminal responsibility, this view is contested within the PT itself. Factions within the party have expressed disagreements regarding the appropriateness and consequences of such a change.

Lula's statements provoked varied reactions among both his supporters and opponents, especially in a political context that is already highly polarized. He also acknowledged responsibility for the challenges and criticisms that his administration has faced.

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