Fernando Bermuda expelled from PSB after threatening municipal employees

The Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) has expelled Fernando Bermuda (Fernando Oliveira da Silva), the mayor of Campestre do Maranhão, following allegations of grave party infidelity. The decision was made unanimously by the state executive committee after a meeting on Saturday.

The expulsion follows the release of messages suggesting the mayor pressured municipal employees to support Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) in upcoming elections. Reports indicate that civil servants were threatened with dismissal if they did not support the senator or if they voted for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. One report noted the circulation of an AI-generated song linking job security to political support for Flávio Bolsonaro.

Bermuda defended his actions, stating he was merely expressing his “point of view about politics.” He argued that a reelection of Lula could negatively impact the municipality, which might necessitate the dismissal of certain public employees, specifically targeting “petistas” (PT supporters).