São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas replaced the Casa Civil head on January 22, appointing Roberto Carneiro in place of Arthur Lima, who shifts to Justice and Citizenship. The move follows tensions with Jair Bolsonaro supporters after canceling a prison visit and aims to bolster his re-election campaign.
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) announced a high-level reshuffle in the São Paulo government on the night of January 22. Arthur Lima, a key ally, moved from the Casa Civil Secretariat to head the Justice and Citizenship portfolio, replacing Fábio Prieto. Roberto Carneiro, state president of the Republicanos (originally from Espírito Santo and former Casa Civil coordinator under ex-Governor Paulo Hartung), took Lima's position.
The change gives the Casa Civil a stronger political profile to coordinate Tarcísio's re-election bid, as he has stressed to allies. Carneiro maintains ties with Government Secretary Gilberto Kassab and Republicanos national president Marcos Pereira; the appointment may have been suggested by Kassab.
This follows a crisis with Bolsonaro supporters after Tarcísio canceled a visit to the imprisoned former president (at Papudinha since January 15), originally authorized by Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes on January 20 and rescheduled for January 29 due to state commitments. The cancellation sparked speculation of Tarcísio's 2026 presidential ambitions, fueled by Michelle Bolsonaro sharing his anti-Lula video—interpreted as support over Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair's endorsed candidate. Tarcísio denied ambitions, stating 'My name is Flávio' and reaffirming re-election focus.
Lima had drawn criticism for delays in municipal funding. Prior Tarcísio-Bolsonaro meetings include September last year; a December visit was canceled due to the arrest. Bolsonaro's house arrest plea was denied by Gilmar Mendes. Part of ongoing tensions covered in this series.
