Benedito de Lira, Mayor of Barra de São Miguel and Father of Brazil's Chamber President, Dies at 82 After Cancer Battle and Heart Attack

Jan 14, 2025, 12:39 PM

Benedito de Lira, the mayor of Barra de São Miguel in Alagoas and father of Arthur Lira, the president of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, passed away at the age of 82. Known as Biu de Lira, he had been battling cancer and was hospitalized since the end of December following an emergency surgery. He died after suffering a heart attack. Benedito de Lira had a long political career, serving as a senator, federal deputy, state deputy, and mayor. He was re-elected as mayor of Barra de São Miguel in 2024, securing 68.12% of the votes, but did not attend his swearing-in ceremony due to his health condition. His son, Arthur Lira, represented him at the event and spoke emotionally about his father's absence due to a recent surgery. With Benedito's death, the vice-mayor, Henrique Alves Pinto, will assume the position of mayor.