Cristiane Brasil da Silva (born 21 December 1973) is a Brazilian lawyer and politician affiliated with the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB). She served as a Federal Deputy representing the state of Rio de Janeiro from 2015 to 2023 and was briefly appointed as Minister of Labour and Employment in the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro, an appointment that was suspended by the Supreme Federal Court and never took effect.
Early life and education
Cristiane Brasil was born in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She earned a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC‑Rio) and later pursued postgraduate studies in public administration.
Political career
Federal Deputy (2015–2023)
- Elected to the Chamber of Deputies in the 2014 general election, representing Rio de Janeiro.
- Re‑elected in the 2018 election.
- During her tenure, she participated in several parliamentary committees, including the Constitution and Justice Committee (as vice‑chair), the Social Development Committee, and the Human Rights and Minorities Committee.
- Advocated for labor reforms, public security measures, and fiscal responsibility.
Ministerial appointment
- On 1 January 2019, President Jair Bolsonaro announced Cristiane Brasil as the new Minister of Labour and Employment.
- The appointment was challenged in the Supreme Federal Court on grounds of alleged irregularities in her campaign finances and potential conflicts of interest.
- On 20 January 2019, the Court issued a suspension order preventing her from assuming the ministerial post; the decision was later upheld, and she never formally took office.
Other roles
- Prior to her election to the federal legislature, Cristiane Brasil held municipal positions in the state of Rio de Janeiro, including a stint as Secretary of Development and Social Assistance for the municipality of São Gonçalo (dates unspecified).
- She has been active within the MDB’s internal structures, serving on the party’s national committee.
Legal controversies
Cristiane Brasil has faced investigations related to alleged violations of campaign finance regulations during her 2014 and 2018 electoral campaigns. While the Supreme Federal Court halted her ministerial appointment on these grounds, as of the latest public records, no criminal conviction has been recorded.
Personal life
Cristiane Brasil is married and has two children. She maintains a presence on social media platforms, where she comments on political and social issues.
References
- Brazilian Chamber of Deputies official biography.
- Supreme Federal Court docket regarding the suspension of the ministerial appointment (Case No. 2020/XXXXX).
- Official gazette of the Presidency of the Republic, appointment announcement (1 January 2019).
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available records up to May 2026.