Romeu Zema calls Marcelo Aro’s gubernatorial bid a betrayal in Minas Gerais

Romeu Zema Marcelo Aro Minas Gerais governor race betrayal

Former Minas Gerais governor and presidential pre‑candidate Romeu Zema (Novo) labelled the decision of his former secretary Marcelo Aro (PP) to leave a Senate slot and run for the state governorship as a “betrayal”. Zema said the move could open the door for “politicians sold” to damage Minas Gerais and reiterated his support for incumbent governor Mateus Simões (PSD).

Aro, who had served as Zema’s secretary of the Casa Civil and secretary of Government, was originally expected to run for the Senate with Zema’s backing. He informed Simões of his change of plans, prompting Zema’s public criticism. Zema will attend the PSD state convention on 2 August 2026 in Belo Horizonte, where Simões’ re‑election candidacy will be formalised.

Entities: Marcelo Aro · Mateus Simões · Minas Gerais · Novo (political party) · Novo party · Romeu Zema

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 9 SOURCES] Romeu Zema called Marcelo Aro's political move a betrayal. (Zema denounced Aro’s shift to a gubernatorial bid as a betrayal.)
[● 6 SOURCES] Marcelo Aro previously served as Romeu Zema's secretary of the Casa Civil and secretary of Government in Minas Gerais. (Aro held senior positions in Zema’s administration.)
[● 8 SOURCES] Zema warned Aro's betrayal could open the door for “politicians sold” to harm Minas Gerais. (Zema said the betrayal could let “politicians sold” damage the state.)
[● 2 SOURCES] Governor Mateus Simões said he felt betrayed by Marcelo Aro, calling him a parasite. (Simões expressed disappointment.)
[● 6 SOURCES] Romeu Zema reaffirmed his support for incumbent governor Mateus Simões' re‑election. (Zema said he will continue to back Simões for re‑election.)
[● 6 SOURCES] Marcelo Aro was originally expected to run for the Senate with Zema’s support but later considered a gubernatorial candidacy. (Aro was slated for the Senate before shifting to a governor bid.)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Romeu Zema will attend the PSD state convention on 2 August 2026 in Belo Horizonte to formalise Mateus Simões’ re‑election candidacy. (Zema is scheduled to be present at the PSD convention where Simões’ candidacy will be confirmed.)