Brazil: three politicians resign from São Paulo government after state governor supported Bolsonaro

The former president of the Chamber of Deputies, Rodrigo Maia (PSDB), and two other secretaries have left the government of São Paulo after Governor Rodrigo Garcia (PSDB) announced his support for President Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential elections.

Laura Machado, who headed the Social Development portfolio, and Zeina Latif, the Economic Development portfolio, resigned from their respective positions on Wednesday morning, October 5.

Maia was acting as Secretary of Strategic Actions in the São Paulo government. He was appointed during the administration of former governor João Doria (PSDB).

In a statement, the São Paulo state government said that Tarcila Reis Jordão would take over as secretary of Projects and Strategic Actions, Célia Leão would be the new secretary of Social Development, and Bruno Caetano would take over the Economic Development portfolio.

DEPARTURE

The former mayor is one of Bolsonaro’s main critics and considers the president’s reelection a threat to democracy.

According to Andréia Sadi’s blog, the traditional PSDB is embarrassed by Rodrigo’s “unconditional” support for Bolsonaro – and expects historical cadres to make new statements of support for Lula.

In a post on social networks, former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso declared his support for Lula this morning.

WHO WILL TAKE OVER

Tarcila Reis Jordão takes over the post left by Rodrigo Maia. She will be the new secretary of Projects and Strategic Actions.

Ph.D. in Public Law, she has served as director of the Partnerships with Private Enterprise Unit of the Civil House of the Salvador City Hall, consultant of the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), a visiting researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and undersecretary of Strategic Actions of the São Paulo government.

Célia Leão takes Laura Machado’s place. She takes over the Social Development secretariat.

With a law degree from PUC-Campinas, she was a city councilor and state deputy for seven terms in the São Paulo Legislative Assembly.

Celia has also served as Corregidor of the São Paulo Legislative Assembly and as a member of the Sports, Science, and Technology, Environment, Inspection, and Control Commissions.

Bruno Caetano replaced Zeina Latif and will be the new Secretary of Economic Development.

Lawyer, sociologist, and Master in Political Science from USP, he worked as a special advisor to the mayor of São Paulo and as sub-secretary of Strategic Management of the Civil House of the Government of the State of São Paulo.

He was also Secretary of Communication of the Government of São Paulo, Superintendent Director of Sebrae-SP, State Congressman, Municipal Secretary of Education, and Executive Director of Fundação Seade.

In a statement, the state government claimed that the administration’s premise “is to ensure that the public interest is above any political/partisan current. Therefore, the interest of Paulistas cannot be hostage to any political proselytism.”

“Different people, ideas, and beliefs make a government. In practice, Rodrigo Garcia has always guided his public life by acting alongside people who do not always think like him,” says the text.

With information from G1