Brazil elects Moroccan-descended Senator Davi Alcolumbre as Senate President

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Davi Alcolumbre has been elected President of the Brazilian Senate for a second term, securing 73 votes last week. His return to the role, which he previously held from 2019 to 2021, was backed by several prominent politicians, including the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. He will serve in this capacity until 2027.

Alcolumbre, born in 1977 in the state of Amapá, has Moroccan Jewish ancestry. He has previously stated that his maternal grandparents were originally from Tangier, Morocco, before emigrating to Brazil over a century ago. He is affiliated with the center-right União Brasil party.

The senator’s ties to Morocco have been evident in his diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in June 2019. He has also publicly expressed admiration for Morocco, mentioning his heritage in a tweet during his previous tenure as Senate President.

Brazilian media outlets highlight Alcolumbre’s extensive political career, which began in 2001 as a municipal councilor. He was elected to the Senate in 2015 and first assumed its presidency in 2019. His leadership during the COVID-19 crisis was marked by securing emergency aid for vulnerable populations.

In his victory speech, Alcolumbre emphasized the importance of an independent and sovereign Senate, warning against political extremism and reaffirming his commitment to legislative prerogatives. His election comes amid ongoing power struggles between Brazil’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The Israeli press has also followed his election, noting his alignment with Brazil’s current pro-Israel government. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli diplomats welcomed the news, viewing Alcolumbre as a political ally.

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