In the new text of the series Brasil em Foco, the political scientist Humberto Dantas brings us an analysis of some of the most important topics for understanding the first steps taken by the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who begins his third term amidst various challenges. These challenges include the negotiations concerning the constitutional amendment of the transitional government (PEC), the changes in the internal rules of the Supreme Court STF, the composition of the cabinet and the support base in the National Congress.