The trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, the amnesty vote and the Magnitsky Act are among the topics that dominated searches in the “Politics” category on Google in 2025. The ranking also collects topics related to the economy, such as IOF and salary loans for workers with a formal contract.
Among this year’s notable events, some have an international dimension, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) and the BRICS.
The data is part of Google’s annual ranking, which compiles the topics that featured more in searches throughout 2025 compared to the previous year.
Jair Bolsonaro trial
In September, the trial of Bolsonaro and seven other defendants involved in the coup plot began. The former president was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for the attempted coup, and was accused of leading a plan to stay in power. In November, a permanent arrest warrant was issued for him, making him the fourth former head of government to be arrested since the restoration of democracy in 1985.
Pardon vote
In parallel with the coup plot trial, Congress was moving forward with a vote on pardons for those convicted of the January 8 attacks. The possibility of extending the amnesty for Bolsonaro is being treated as a priority by Hizb ut-Tahrir politicians, who responded to the former president’s arrest with new pressure to open the amnesty process in Congress.
Magnitsky law
In July, Donald Trump’s government applied the Magnitsky Act against Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court, and his wife, Vivian Barsi. The US government stated that the minister would work against freedom of expression and persecute Bolsonaro and his allies. According to Google Trends, Brazil and the USA recorded an increase in searches for the law. Brazil led global interest in the topic in 2025, with research peaking in July.
The law allows the United States to deny entry to foreigners and impose economic sanctions on people accused of corruption or human rights violations.
Blendagem PEC
In September, the House of Representatives approved the Belendagem Presidential Election Commission, which created a special forum and protection for parliamentarians, not only in criminal investigations, but also in the civil sphere – something previously unheard of.
After the vote, the proposal quickly became unpopular and became the target of street demonstrations. Under pressure from public opinion, the Senate decided to postpone it.
Conference of the Parties 30
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Belém, Pará, from 10 to 21 November 2025. The meeting ended with an agreement that excluded President Lula’s proposal to limit the use of fossil fuels, met European demands and included, for the first time, a specific reference to people of African descent.
Occupation forces
In May, the government announced an increase in the financial operations tax on many foreign exchange and corporate credit operations. Hours after the decree was published, it was partially withdrawn after criticism from businessmen and parliamentarians.
After back and forth between Congress and the executive branch, Moraes ratified President Lula’s decree that raised income tax rates, repealing only the article that adjusted taxes on so-called withdrawn risks.
National teaching card
In September, Lula’s government launched the National Teaching Card, an identity document for teachers in public and private schools that allows them to receive discounts on cultural activities.
BRICS
The BRICS meeting was held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. In the final statement, the group criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria, but avoided attributing direct responsibility to Tel Aviv or the Donald Trump administration for the recent attacks against Iran, a member of the group, despite its condemnation of the attack.
Post office competition
In April, Curios released the results of the competition, which registered more than 1.7 million applicants for 3,511 immediate vacancies, with salaries up to R$ 6,800.
At the same time, the company faces a delicate financial situation, with debts to suppliers and the risk of a cash imbalance. The state-owned company incurred a loss of R$6.1 billion in the period from January to September 2025.
Loan allocated to CLT
In March, President Lula signed a temporary measure that created a new model for private salary loans. The program, called “Workers’ Credit,” allows employees with a formal contract to obtain loans with a salary deduction without the need for an agreement between the company and the bank.
with Diego Alejandro, Karina Matias and Victoria Cocolo
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