The president (PT) announced, this Wednesday (17), that the Minister of Tourism, , must leave his position. He was, after choosing to remain in the portfolio contrary to the party, who had decided to disembark from the PT government.
Gustavo Feliciano, son of federal deputy Damião Feliciano (União Brasil-PB), should take over the position, according to the report. Gustavo was Secretary of Tourism and Economic Development of Paraíba.
The nomination came from the most pro-government group in the party’s bench, which brings together around 20 to 22 out of 59 deputies, and is made up of former minister Juscelino Filho (MA), the leader of the bench, Pedro Lucas Fernandes (MA), and Damião himself. There was also approval from .
Rueda’s allies say that he did not participate in the choice, but endorsed the movement with the aim of overthrowing Sabino, whom he became disaffected with. The minister reportedly commented on police operations in which he is being investigated, which precipitated the process of expulsion from the party.
Sabino, who is a federal deputy, should resume his mandate in the Chamber and is looking for a new party to run for the Senate for Pará in 2026.
Sabino confirmed his departure and said that his former party requested the nomination of a new name to the Ministry of Tourism. He also said he understands Lula’s decision, to whom he remains faithful, in the name of governability and good relations with Congress.
In the minister’s assessment, the appointment to the position demonstrates that União Brasil, which is now back to basics. Sabino avoided commenting on whether he sees inconsistency in the back-and-forth of his former party in relation to the government and said he left that reading to the commentators.
“I think this nomination shows that he has already returned”, replied Sabino when asked about there being a movement back from the party to the governing base.
Members of União Brasil, however, denied to the Panel, Sheetand point out that he is not formally linked to the party, which has a wing opposing Lula.
Although it does not mean a reconstitution of Rueda with Lula, members of the União Brasil leadership affirm that Gustavo’s appointment could be the beginning of an armistice and a greater rapprochement.
The party intended to support the governor’s presidential candidacy () together with the PP, with the senator (PL-RJ) throwing himself into Planalto. Now, , and some of its leaders have started to defend neutrality.
The arrival of União Brasil from the PT government mainly targeted Sabino, as they do not have a mandate, such as directors of state-owned companies, and ministers appointed by the president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP).
At that time, he left office. Sabino, however, articulated his stay in management, mainly due to the Climate Conference, which was about to take place in Pará and would be one of his main platforms.
At the end of November, the Ethics Council decided to dissolve the Pará directory, of which Sabino was president. The expulsion was defined at a meeting of the national executive on the 8th.
Sabino said that his expulsion was decided due to the fact that he remained in the government and for “helping Pará”.
The government’s departure was announced by Lula. The president said he would count on the ministers until April, the deadline for the non-compliance of those who intend to run for office. He stated, however, that Sabino would have to leave the government sooner because União Brasil had claimed the position. He wished Sabino good luck in the Senate race.
At the meeting, Lula stated that he and his respective parties will need to decide which side they will be on in the 2026 election, which he calls the “moment of truth”.
The movement to replace Sabino began around 20 days ago, when a group led by Damião organized to take Gustavo’s name as a replacement. The government welcomed the change, understanding that the current minister no longer had support in the Chamber.
Tension between Sabino and the party began after reports from ICL (Institutoconhecimento Liberta) and UOL revealed accusations made by a pilot that Rueda was (Primeiro Comando da Capital). The party president denies it.
Party members saw the influence of Palácio do Planalto in the report, since one of its authors also had a program on TV Brasil. From then on, União Brasil instructed its members who held positions in the Lula government to leave their positions.
Members of União Brasil say that the president of the Chamber, (Republicanos-PB), had no role in appointing the new minister, but that the choice could also help the government to rebuild its relationship with him. Damião and Motta are allies in Paraíba and the União Brasil deputy promised to campaign for the election of Motta’s father, Nabor Wanderley (Republicans), in the Senate race.
