Cleitinho Azevedo faces scrutiny over use of private aircraft

Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos), a leading candidate for the governorship of Minas Gerais, is facing scrutiny regarding the use of private aircraft during his campaign. Reports indicate that Azevedo has utilized a Beech G36 Bonanza belonging to businessman Advaldo José de Oliveira, who operates in the real estate sector in Patos de Minas. The aircraft has reportedly been used for both campaign-related travel and trips to Brasília.

This controversy follows previous allegations that the senator used planes belonging to other allies for travel between Minas Gerais and the capital. These reports have drawn attention because Azevedo has built much of his political identity on advocating for austerity and criticizing excessive public spending, often claiming to travel by car between the state and Brasília.

In terms of electoral standing, Azevedo currently leads recent polls for the Minas Gerais governorship. Datafolha indicates he holds 37% of the vote in a first-round simulation, ahead of Patrus Ananias (13%) and Alexandre Kalil (11%). He also leads in simulated second-round scenarios.