Under pressure, Lula’s tourism minister resigns

Brazil's Tourism Minister Daniela Carneiro, who issued her resignation this evening. Photo: Tourism Ministry

Tourism Minister Daniela Carneiro has resigned, the president’s chief spokesman told reporters at the presidential palace press corps this Thursday afternoon.

A member of the center-right União Brasil party, Ms. Carneiro has been preparing to join the Republicans party, dominated by evangelical Christian politicians. She is to follow in the footsteps of her husband, Waguinho Carneiro, mayor of the Rio de Janeiro city of Belford Roxo, who made the move in April.

Mr. Carneiro is his wife’s main political mentor: she successfully ran for Congress twice under the moniker “Waguinho’s Daniela.” Because of this, once Ms. Carneiro’s exit is confirmed, she will resume her position as congresswoman.

Belford Roxo is a city of 483,000 people located just north of Rio de Janeiro. Allegations surrounding the minister involve campaigning in the city or expenses of the mayor’s office, including to the benefit of or employing members of the so-called urban ‘militias’ — mafia-like organizations which have become increasingly powerful, notably in cities of the state capital’s run-down suburbs.

Ms. Carneiro deleted photos from social media accounts in which she appears with Márcio Pagniez. Also known as Firefighter Márcio, he is accused of leading a militia group, and is in jail under the suspicion of ordering a double homicide. Márcio’s father and sister were employed at the Belford Roxo municipal government, led by Ms. Carneiro’s husband.

Juracy Alves Prudêncio, a militia member who was convicted to a 22-year sentence for homicide, also helped campaign for Ms. Carneiro when she first ran for Congress back in 2018. At the time, Mr. Prudêncio was on parole and could leave jail during the day to work. His job was at Belford Roxo City Hall.

The reasons for Ms. Carneiro leaving the ministry, however, have nothing to do with her connections with militia members. She has lost political support among União Brasil lawmakers, who have suggested Lula appoint Congressman Celso Sabino in her place.

Ms. Carneiro will reportedly remain in office until Mr. Sabino is formally appointed.