Mateus Simões (PSD) said an expression considered racist at the Medal of Inconfidence ceremony
The governor of Minas Gerais, (PSD), said this Tuesday (April 21, 2026) that he “white envy” by the governor of São Paulo, (Republicans), for having appointed the 1st woman as general commander of the Military Police of the State of São Paulo. The expression is considered racist.
Simões’ statement took place at the traditional ceremony of awarding the Inconfidência Medal, in Ouro Preto. Tarcísio the Great Collar, the highest honor given by the Government of Minas Gerais and limited to only heads of State, Government and other Powers of the Union.
“I told Governor Tarcísio about my white envy that he had appointed the first female commander of the Military Police, but I told him: ‘you didn’t win the race, because in Minas we already have a military commander who commands our firefighters with great pride, Colonel Jordana‘”, declared Simões.
Watch (1min9s):
Jordana Filgueiras Daldegan was appointed last year to the position by the then governor, Romeu Zema (Novo). Simões, elected vice-governor on Zema’s ticket, took over the Minas Gerais government on March 22 and is expected to run for re-election.
Another politician present at the ceremony was the senator (PL-RN) – who is also coordinator of the presidential pre-campaign. Marinho received the Grand Medal, the 2nd highest honor.
O Poder360 contacted Simões’s advisors, who did not respond until the report was published. The space remains open for demonstrations.
