Bolsonaro Plans Ministerial Reshuffle to Please Allies

Military and Guedes lose strength; Ciro Nogueira (PP-PI), leader of the political center, wins

Brasília

In his most fragile moment, Jair Bolsonaro is preparing a ministerial shuffle to give more power to politicians in the center who had been previously criticized by the president but who now comprise his base in Congress.

Senator Ciro Nogueira (PP-PI), leader of the group, will become chief of staff in place of General Luiz Eduardo Ramos, the target of constant complaints from lawmakers.

BRASILIA, DF, BRASIL, 21-07-2021: General Luiz Eduardo Ramos is the target of constant complaints from lawmakers (Foto: Pedro Ladeira/Folhapress, PODER) - Folhapress

A pragmatist, who answers inquiries in the STF (Supreme Court), Ciro was an ally of former president Lula (PT) and has already called Bolsonaro a fascist. If the Planalto confirms this, the person who assumes his position in the Senate will be his mother and first alternate, Eliane Nogueira.

The government thus seeks to politically shield itself from the fall in popularity.

Due to the planned redesign, General Ramos would be transferred to the General Secretariat, currently occupied by Onyx Lorenzoni (DEM-RS), who would go to the Ministry of Labor and Welfare.

This ministry would be recreated through a provisional measure that would take it from the current Ministry of Economy, weakening Paulo Guedes.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

Read the article in the original language