PL leaders met with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre on the night of May 5 to address the crisis in Rio state's succession following Cláudio Castro's resignation. The meeting came amid threats of congressional obstruction to pressure the STF. Alcolumbre urged caution and suggested pursuing dialogue.
PL leaders in Rio de Janeiro met on the night of May 5 with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) to discuss the crisis in the state's succession after Cláudio Castro (PL)'s resignation.
Allied parties, including PL, PP, and União Brasil, support Douglas Ruas (PL), Alerj president, as the October gubernatorial candidate and argue he should assume interim governorship. Congressional obstruction to pressure the STF was raised, but Alcolumbre urged caution and advised against drastic measures. Participants reported the senator stating he will “analisar o que pode fazer” and seek dialogue with involved parties, possibly STF ministers.
The STF judgment on the election format—direct or indirect—remains suspended due to a vista request by Minister Flávio Dino. Desembargador Ricardo Couto continues as interim governor, which PL leaders view as unconstitutional instability. Last week, Ruas criticized the PSD's "gincana jurídica," linked to Eduardo Paes.
Separately, the Ministério Público appealed to the TSE to annul Castro's diploma, citing contradictions in the prior ruling. Vice-Procurador Eleitoral Alexandre Espinosa argues a majority favored cassation, potentially requiring a direct election. Others, including Marcelo Freixo and coalitions, have also petitioned the TSE.
