Luciana Novaes, former councilor of Rio of Janeiro for PT, died this Monday (27) after suffering a sudden and serious complication. Segundo advised, she presented a ruptured cerebral aneurysm with a critical worsening of the neurological condition. The parliamentarian was hospitalized and entered the brain death protocol, a set of tests that confirm the total and irreversible cessation of brain functions.
Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD) declared three days of official mourning in an extra edition of Diário Oficial published at night.
Trajetória marked by overcoming and fighting
Luciana was 42 years old and a social worker by training. Sua story gained relevance after suffering a profound impact in 2003, when it was hit by a stray bullet on the campus of Universidade Estácio of Sá, in Rio Comprido, Zona Norte of Rio. The shot left her quadriplegic. Apesar from adversity, she recovered, completed her undergraduate degree in Serviço Social and completed her postgraduate degree in Gestão Governamental.
Luciana’s trajectory in the public sector was pioneering. Ela was elected councilor for the PT in three consecutive terms: the first in 2016, when she became the first quadriplegic person to occupy a seat in Câmara Municipal in Rio. In 2023, he returned to Casa as a substitute. Suas legislative agendas were shaped by personal experience as a woman with disabilities and a victim of urban violence.
Legado of almost 200 laws
Durante her work as a councilor, Luciana was the author and supporter of approximately 200 laws focusing on inclusion and public policies for vulnerable groups. Entre its main projects is Lei 8.781/2025, which establishes Política Municipal of Rotas Acessíveis of Rio, guaranteeing dignified transportation for people with disabilities, reduced mobility and the elderly.
Ela was president of Comissão of Direitos of Pessoa with Deficiência in Câmara and worked for:
- Vagas prioritized in nearby schools for students with disabilities
- Processos assessments that respect the needs of students with intellectual disabilities
- Garantia rights for elderly and homeless people
- Políticas for transparency and combating corruption
- Iniciativas against poverty and social inequality
Reações institutional and public recognition
Carlo Caiado, president of Câmara Municipal of Rio, released a note of condolence that highlighted the parliamentarian’s impact. Ele classified Luciana as a symbol of perseverance. “Luciana was more than an active parliamentarian. Transformou turned her own pain into purpose and made her career a permanent example of struggle, courage and love for others”, said the official text.
Casa Legislativa recognized that Luciana left a consistent legacy always focused on inclusion. The note highlighted his sensitivity to issues of disability and social vulnerability, emphasizing that his firm voice and generous listening made a difference in the lives of thousands of Rio residents.
Segundo the institutional assessment, Luciana “looked not just at the city, but at each individual who needed to be seen, welcomed and respected”. Casa Legislativa also highlighted that its story of faith, resilience and purpose will continue to inspire future generations.
