Lula dismisses ministers running in 2026 elections

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formalized the dismissal of ministers leaving posts to run in October elections. The changes appeared in the Official Gazette on March 31 and April 1. At least 20 of the 38 ministers are set to step down by Saturday.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has approved the dismissal of several top ministers planning to contest October elections. The decrees were published in the Official Gazette editions of Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, naming replacements.

Key changes include Paulo Teixeira (PT) leaving the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming for Fernanda Machiaveli. Silvio Costa Filho (Republicanos) exits Ports and Airports, replaced by Tomé Barros Monteiro da Franca. Others are Sonia Guajajara (PSOL) from Indigenous Peoples for Eloy Terena, and Marina Silva (Rede) from Environment for Paulo Capobianco.

Simone Tebet (MDB) steps down from Planning for Bruno Moretti, Renan Filho (MDB) from Transport for George André Palermo Santoro, and Carlos Fávaro (PSD) from Agriculture for André de Paula. In Sports, André Fufuca (PP) is succeeded by Paulo Henrique Cordeiro Perna. Marcelo Freixo (PT) leaves Embratur.

The deadline for incompatibility ends Saturday, April 4, though many exits are already in place. In Education, Camilo Santana is due to leave, with Leonardo Barchini taking over. Overall, 20 ministers will step aside for candidacies, reassignments, or the presidential campaign.

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Illustration of 2026 Brazil election poll highlighting Lula's lead, Tarcísio tie, and Lula-Bolsonaro polarization.
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First 2026 poll reinforces polarization in presidential elections

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A poll released early in 2026 shows President Lula leading in electoral scenarios, with Tarcísio de Freitas as the only opponent tying in the second round. The survey highlights the persistence of polarization between Lula and bolsonarismo, with no clear space for a third way. Analysts note that the election will be decided by rejections, amid challenges like incumbent fatigue and effects of judicial convictions.

President Lula told ministers that he will maintain the normal pace of government work during the first six months of 2026, including at least three international trips. The destinations are India, Germany, and South Korea. After that period, with cabinet changes due to elections, he will focus on his electoral campaign.

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President Lula asked Secom minister Sidônio Palmeira to remain in office until the end of the term, avoiding his departure to lead the 2026 reelection campaign. Instead, Lula plans to hire Raul Rabelo, the minister's former partner, to handle campaign marketing. This move bolsters Sidônio's influence over government and PT communications.

Two former ministers from Bolsonaro's government, Gilson Machado and Marcelo Queiroga, posted a video on social media urging support for Flávio Bolsonaro in the 2026 elections. Electoral law experts view the action as premature campaign propaganda, which is illegal under Brazilian law. Congressman Lindbergh Farias has filed a complaint with the TSE against the post.

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Luís Eduardo Falcão, mayor of Patos de Minas from the Republicanos party, resigned on Thursday (April 2), one day before the electoral incompatibility deadline. He also stepped down from the presidency of the Associação Mineira de Municípios (AMM). Vice-mayor Sandra Cristina Gomes will take over the municipal executive.

Sidônio Palmeira, head of the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom), plans to stay in office until the end of Lula's term and appoint his partner for the re-election campaign. Political scientists warn that this does not eliminate the risk of using public resources for electoral purposes. The change aims to separate the president from the candidate but raises concerns about conflicts of interest.

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President-elect José Antonio Kast is advancing preparations to unveil his cabinet on Tuesday, January 20, with uncertainties in key portfolios like Security and Defense, while facing party pressures for greater representation.

 

 

 

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