Threatened by Impeachment Requests, Rio de Janeiro Governor Dismisses Former Right-Hand Man

Wilson Witzel exonerates Lucas Tristão, who was coordinator of his campaign and is the target of investigation

Rio de Janeiro

The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel (PSC), on Wednesday (3) exonerated his main ally, lawyer Lucas Tristão, who served as head of the Secretariat for Economic Development.

Tristan was Witzel's right hand before the governor left the magistracy to run for office. He coordinated the ex-judge's campaign and even gained strength in the government even after exposing his close relationship with businessman Mário Peixoto, arrested last month in Operation Favorite.

Wilson Witzel. (Foto: Domingo Peixoto / Agência O Globo) - Agência O Globo

The governor gave in to pressure from state deputies, who had a terrible relationship with the secretary. They accused Tristão of making illegal recordings against members of the Legislative Assembly.

Witzel has been the target of ten impeachment requests since Operation Placebo. He also had his accounts rejected by the TCE (State Audit Court), whose recommendation needs the approval of deputies. If approved, the governor has any future candidacy threatened due to the Clean Record Law.

Tristão's resignation was published in a special edition of this Wednesday's Official Gazette, whose only information is the dismissal of the former secretary - something unusual in the state.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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