Minas Gerais names Marcelo Couto Dias new Secretary of Development Social

The government of Minas Gerais announced that Governor Mateus Simões will appoint Marcelo Couto Dias as the new Secretary of State for Development Social (Sedese). The position had been held on an interim basis by Ricardo Assis Alves Dutra, who will remain as the deputy secretary.

Marcelo Couto Dias brings extensive academic and public‑service experience. He holds a degree in Social Sciences from the Federal University of Bahia, a master's and PhD in Family in Contemporary Society from the Catholic University of Salvador, and has taught at the same university. He previously served as director of the National Family Secretariat of the federal government (2019‑2022) and, since 2023, as Secretary of Family, Citizenship and Food Security in the municipality of Osasco. The Minas Gerais administration highlighted his technical background and its commitment to promoting social development, family strengthening, citizenship and inclusion for the state's population.