Flávio Arns

Flávio José Arns (born 9 November 1950) is a Brazilian politician and professor who serves as federal senator representing his home state of Paraná. He was previously vice-governor of Paraná from 2011 to 2015, and also served in the chamber of deputies from 1991 to 2003.

Personal life Arns was born to Osvaldo Arns and Teresinha Mohr.

Arns graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in 1972, and the following years graduated with a degree in law from Federal University of Paraná, where he later became professor. In 1980 he graduated with a PhD. in Linguistics with his thesis focusing on language and behavior from Northwestern University in the United States.

Political career Arns served as director of education for individuals with special needs from 1983 to 1990. Following him taking seat in the senate he was elected vice chair of the Commission on Education, Culture and Sport.

Arns voted against the impeachment of then-president Dilma Rousseff.

A strong supporter of the rights of those with autism and other developmental disabilities, in September 2016 Arns was recognized by the senate of Paraná for his political activism.

Arns has faced some controversy for allegedly hiring Rosangela Moro, the wife of judge Sergio Moro, as a legal adviser in 2015. Judges are prohibited to communicate with active politicians in Brazil, and Moro denied that she ever formally worked for Arns.

On 31 August 2020 Arns announced that he had left the Sustainability Network and joined the Podemos party in the Brazilian senate.