Gabriel Azevedo criticizes Romeu Zema over police salary promises

Gabriel Azevedo, a candidate for the governorship of Minas Gerais, criticized former governor Romeu Zema during a press conference in Juiz de Fora. Azevedo claimed that Zema ‘betrayed’ the Military Police by failing to fulfill a promise regarding salary increases.

The dispute stems from a 2020 legislative project that proposed a 41.7% salary adjustment for public security forces. However, the state government sanctioned only a 13% increase. Azevedo, who is the son of a police officer, stated that the corporation no longer respects the former governor due to this decision.

Regarding his own security platform, Azevedo proposed the creation of an integrated police intelligence center to unite Civil and Military police forces, while also increasing coordination with the Federal Police to target the financial and commercial routes of organized crime.