Ibsen Valls Pinheiro (5 July 1935 – 24 January 2020) was a Brazilian lawyer, journalist and politician notable for his long parliamentary career and for presiding over the Chamber of Deputies during a defining moment in modern Brazilian democracy. Born in São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, he served multiple terms as a federal deputy representing the Federal District and was a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement (known at times as PMDB/MDB).

Political career and roles

Pinheiro was elected as a Federal Deputy for the Federal District in the 1980s and again in the 2000s, serving in the Chamber of Deputies between 1983–1994 and 2003–2011. From 1991 to 1993 he held the office of President of the Chamber of Deputies, a role in which he presided over debates, managed legislative business and represented the lower house in institutional matters. His presidency coincided with one of Brazil's most consequential constitutional processes: the congressional handling of the impeachment of President Fernando Collor de Mello.

Background, professions and public image

Trained as a lawyer and active as a journalist, Pinheiro combined legal and media experience with parliamentary work. He was born in São Borja, a city known for producing several prominent Brazilian public figures. His background in law informed his approach to legislative procedure, while his journalism experience helped him navigate public communication and parliamentary scrutiny.

Notable events and legacy

Pinheiro's leadership during the impeachment process of 1992 remains a central element of his public legacy. The Chamber's decisions during that period set important precedents for congressional oversight and accountability in Brazil. Over the course of his career he was involved in committee work, plenary debates and the institutional strengthening of representative procedures.

Positions and timeline

  • Federal Deputy for the Federal District: 1983–1994 and 2003–2011.
  • President of the Chamber of Deputies: 1991–1993.
  • Professionally active as a lawyer and journalist in public life.

Ibsen Pinheiro died on 24 January 2020 in Porto Alegre from a cardiac arrest. He was 84. His career is remembered for its mixture of legal training, media engagement and parliamentary leadership during a turbulent chapter of Brazil's recent history.