Early Shake-Up in Brazil’s Party-Switching Window: PL Gains, União Loses

Overview

• The TSE-authorized party-switching window runs from March 5 to April 3, allowing proportional-seat holders to change parties without risking their mandates.
• Congressional reporting counts about 20 federal deputies who have either formalized changes in the Chamber or publicly confirmed moves, while the Chamber portal reflects only a handful so far.
• By this tally, PL has attracted six deputies and União Brasil has lost six, with other gains noted for PSDB and MDB as lawmakers seek stronger slates or paths to major races.
• Valor’s daily Placar, based on the Chamber’s registry, listed five formal changes by March 13, including Kim Kataguiri’s switch from União to the newly created Missão, where he is registered and serves as party leader.
• In Ceará, at least 17 state deputies are signaling changes, with PDT confirming four departures that would leave it without a bench in the Alece and with potential shifts also affecting União, PSD, PSDB and others as federation talks shape choices.