The minister (no party) stated, this Wednesday (17), that the president () for the party from which he was expelled, the . Sabino said he understands the decision, made in the name of governability and the government’s efforts to improve relations with Congress.
“There was this demand from União Brasil to appoint a minister for the Ministry of Tourism, and I completely understand. […] I am very grateful to President Lula for trusting in our work”, he told the press. Sabino returns to his mandate as federal deputy in the Chamber.
Sabino’s departure. According to the minister, the resignation had been discussed for a few days and was confirmed in a meeting between the minister (Institutional Relations) and members of União Brasil this Tuesday (16).
Sabino should be replaced by Gustavo Feliciano, son of federal deputy Damião Feliciano (União Brasil-PB). Gustavo was Secretary of Tourism and Economic Development of Paraíba. the nomination came from the government wing of the União Brasil bench in the Chamber and was endorsed by the president of the party, Antonio Rueda.
In the minister’s assessment, the appointment to the position demonstrates that União Brasil, which had announced the disembarkation and break with the Lula government, is now back to base. Sabino avoided commenting on whether he sees inconsistency in the movement of his former party and said he left that reading to the commentators.
“He was [uma indicação do União Brasil]. 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.
“I imagine that the party must have had its reasons to move away from the government and, now, to get closer again. What matters is that the government has governability”, he added.
He maintains his loyalty to Lula and says he has the president’s support to run for the Senate in 2026. Sabino is looking for a new party and only rules out joining the PL.
The minister, who became an enemy of Rueda, after the party announced the disembarkation of the base, in September, and demanded that he hand over the position, which he did not do due to the holding in November.
“I made the decision to remain in government, alongside President Lula, and complete important COP30 projects. I could not have left my post in 24 hours,” said Sabino, adding that he had been coherent and responsible for the country.
União Brasil intended to support the presidential candidacy of the governor (Republicans) together with the PP, with the senator (PL-RJ) throwing himself into Planalto. Now, , and some of its leaders have started to defend neutrality.
In the press interview, however, Sabino said that the party’s rapprochement with Lula has no relation to Flávio’s candidacy.
“I don’t see a relationship, because whoever President Lula’s opponent is next year, he will suffer a defeat. We are going to win this election, and I bet it will be in the first round. So I don’t see any relationship with the choice of the opposition candidate and this return, let’s say, of União Brasil to the base of the government”, he said.
Sabino also highlighted that the government and the Ministry of Tourism are going through a good moment and that he leaves the department with job creation and record revenue.
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