Cleitinho Azevedo returns to Minas Gerais gubernatorial race

The political landscape in Minas Gerais is undergoing significant shifts as Senator Cleitinho Azevedo officially returns to the race for governor. His candidacy, representing the Republicanos party, follows a period of instability and a brief withdrawal that caused internal friction. Republicanos national president Marcos Pereira had previously expressed distrust in Cleitinho, citing his inconsistent positions, but the impasse was resolved following negotiations involving federal deputy Euclydes Pettersen and the influence of Eduardo Cunha.

With Cleitinho's return, the Republicanos party has also named Luís Eduardo Falcão as his vice-gubernatorial candidate. This move aims to consolidate the party's strength in the state, where Cleitinho has led recent polls. Meanwhile, the political field remains highly fragmented. The PSOL-Rede federation is facing internal tension; while the federation voted to support Alexandre Kalil (PDT), the PSOL Minas branch has declared its commitment to Patrus Ananias (PT), threatening a split in the alliance.

In a separate development, Romeu Zema, the Novo party presidential candidate, has proposed plans to privatize Petrobras and Banco do Brasil through a provisional measure on his first day in office, aiming to use the proceeds to reduce public debt.