By Camilo Diniz
Brazil's Federal Police (PF), the country's national investigative agency, is on a collision course with the presidential palace. Allies of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are already discussing whether PF director-general Andrei Rodrigues should remain in command during Lula's fourth term, according to a report published on November 12, 2026. The reason is a crisis inside the agency that keeps growing.
Delegates removed over Banco Master reports
The trigger was the removal of two PF delegates (senior investigators). They took part in drafting reports that mentioned ministers of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Brazil's highest court, in the investigations into the Banco Master case. At the same time, questions about interference in the production of those reports gained strength, turning an internal problem into political damage for the government.
Federal police delegates' association demands new rules
The National Association of Federal Police Delegates (ADPF) took the lead. The group contested the decision to remove the delegates and went further: it called for changes in how the PF leadership is chosen, defending a triple list of candidates and a fixed term for the director-general. In practice, the category wants to take away from the presidential palace the power to decide alone who runs the agency.
Senate summons Andrei Rodrigues
The crisis has left the backrooms. The Senate's Public Security Committee approved invitations for Andrei Rodrigues and minister Wellington César Lima e Silva to give explanations. The hearing is scheduled for November 18, and that is where the director-general will have to explain what happened.
Two paths for Andrei, and one strong name: Alckmin
Behind the scenes, Lula's allies are working with different scenarios. One wing believes Andrei could take a new post within the PF structure, possibly outside Brazil, which would preserve his personal relationship with the president. Another wing, more critical of the director-general, backs Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), to lead the future Ministry of Public Security.
Delegates consider that Alckmin combines political strength, administrative experience and the ability to negotiate with Congress and state governors. But one detail weighs on the idea: the vice president has not yet spoken directly with Lula about his own future. The president is in Turkey for the COP31 climate conference and is expected back on Monday.
Why it matters
The PF is the agency that conducts sensitive federal investigations, and the director-general is appointed by the president. That is why the ADPF's demand for a triple list and a fixed term goes to the heart of the debate on the agency's independence. Lula, a leftist, led Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and returned to the presidency in 2023.
What comes next
With the Senate hearing set and a change of command being discussed behind the scenes, the next chapter looks decisive. If Andrei leaves, the PF goes through a transition in the middle of sensitive investigations such as the Banco Master case. If he stays, he will have to defend his own version before senators. Either way, the government is exposed.
VDD Analysis
When the government starts discussing who goes and who stays at the Federal Police, the question is whether the change serves the institution or the palace. The PF needs autonomy and a command above any suspicion of interference. Reshuffling the leadership in the middle of reports that mention STF ministers does not solve the crisis; it only pushes it down the road.
