The president’s allies (claim that he is awaiting the definition of the calendar and succession process within his party to begin changes at the top level of government.
The ministerial reform must then begin “at home”, with an exchange of seats in the portfolios occupied by PT members.
This Friday (6), when participating virtually in the closing session of a seminar organized by the PT in Brasília, Lula said that . “I am obliged to make the necessary corrections,” he said.
The president’s interlocutors say that the speech was the key to starting the change process. Behind the scenes, allies point out that publicist Sidônio Palmeira should take over Secom (Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency), replacing the current PT minister.
At the seminar, Lula also criticized himself for not talking to the press more. “I want to tell you that there is an error, a mistake on my part in communication. [secretário de Audiovisual, Ricardo] Stuckert often says ‘president, you are the greatest communicator in our party, you have to talk more’. And the truth is that I haven’t organized the press conferences, they haven’t been organized.”
The current head of Secom is seen as close to the president and has the sympathy of the first lady. He could migrate to the General Secretariat of the Presidency, replacing Márcio Macêdo, who could be the PT’s new treasurer.
Pimenta was taken by surprise by Lula’s criticism and there were those who interpreted it as a “public dismissal”.
Lula had already been signaling that he intended to reinforce government communication, bringing Sidônio to work closer to him. Pimenta’s allies, in turn, minimized the rumors.
He left his position in May to become extraordinary secretary for the reconstruction of Rio Grande do Sul, a state hit by floods. In his place, Laércio Portela took over on an interim basis, who was praised within the government.
Expectations have also increased that the national president of the PT, , will take over the Ministry of Social Development, currently commanded by the former governor of Piauí and senator licensed by the party, Wellington Dias.
But the change depends on Gleisi’s position on shortening his term as PT president. The party’s national directory meets this Saturday (7) to define the calendar and format of the electoral process to choose the party’s next leaders. The election is scheduled for July 2025.
Party leaders say it is possible that Gleisi leaves the presidency and anticipates the internal electoral process to take up a position in the government, thus leaving responsibility for the transition to another member. They cite, for example, senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE).
If he decides to stay until the end of his term, Gleisi’s entry into the government would be unfeasible. This is because she would only take office in the second half of 2025 and would need to leave the position in the first half of the following year, to be able to contest the elections.
PT members say that Gleisi resists changes, but, if he decides to go to Social Development, responsible for social programs such as musical chairs within the party could be greater.
A licensed senator, Wellington would assume leadership of the government in Congress or , roles currently held, respectively, by Randolfe Rodrigues (AP) and (BA).
The area of communication has been the target of criticism from allies since the first year of the Lula 3 government.
In addition to being mentioned to take over Secom, a possibility discussed would be Sidônio Palmeira, as reported by columnist Mônica Bergamo.
The change initiated “inside home” would be followed by a reform dedicated to the accommodation of allied parties, based on the results of the municipal elections, including MDB and União Brasil.
Last week, the government faced a rebellion from the PSD bench, which initially refused to sign an urgent request for the measures in the cost containment package. The bench leaders even met with the Minister of the Civil House, (PT).
Members of the PSDB state that it is unsustainable for the bench to rely solely on the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, with André de Paula.
Another possible change involving a PT member would be in political articulation, currently led by (Institutional Relations). There is discussion of giving the position to someone from the central bloc, to improve dialogue with Congress.
One possibility would be to move Silvio Costa Filho (Republicans), currently Minister of Ports and Airports.
Wanted by Sheet, Sidônio stated that he had not received any invitation to Secom, although the bet on his behalf gained strength this week. According to Lula’s allies, his participation in the production of the Finance Minister’s statement accredited him for the position.
Coordinator of Lula’s presidential campaign, Sidônio has been an advisor to the president. Alongside Gleisi, he was one of those who defended the inclusion of taxation on the super-rich in the announcement of the package of measures to contain expenses, under the argument that everyone should collaborate in the effort, not just the poor.
