Tarcísio de Freitas Faces Criticism Over Metro Contract Secrecy and Sabesp Privatization

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas defended his administration’s privatization agenda, arguing that ideology should not mix with arithmetic and that the state’s partnership with the private sector is pragmatic. He rejected the notion that the Lula government will be missed, saying Brazil is losing strategic growth opportunities.

Former Finance Minister Fernando Haddad attacked Tarcísio’s handling of the Line 6 metro project, highlighting a “100‑year” secrecy clause on contract addenda and questioning a R$ 3.7 billion extra payment to accelerate delivery. Haddad also accused the governor of selling Sabesp to a “friendly table” without transparency.

Other politicians weighed in: ex‑governor and presidential hopeful Ronaldo Caiado said senator Flávio Bolsonaro missed a chance to challenge President Lula, while Tarcísio dismissed speculation about a presidential run in 2026, focusing on his state agenda.