Gabriel Souza and Marcelo Maranata Debate at Rio Grande do Sul Famurs Congress

The Federation of Municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul (Famurs) hosted a debate on 7 August 2026 in Restinga Sêca, RS, featuring the state’s two gubernatorial candidates, Vice‑Governor Gabriel Souza (MDB) and former Guaíba mayor Marcelo Maranata (PSDB). The candidates presented proposals to municipal leaders, focusing on health financing, climate‑risk infrastructure, education improvements and regional development projects such as the Sarandi dam and the RS‑348 highway.

Souza highlighted ongoing state investments and praised recent gains in the state education index, while Maranata emphasized municipal responsibilities for complex health services and criticized delays in flood‑control works despite federal transfers. The event, part of the 44th Famurs Congress, noted the absence of two other candidates and announced a follow‑up debate at the Expointer fair in September. The article also referenced a prolonged closure of the Cristo Redentor pass between Chile and Argentina, which has disrupted Brazilian cargo transport, but the primary focus remains the gubernatorial debate in Rio Grande do Sul.