Politics · Brazil · 3 hrs ago
Lula weighs finance minister options as allies oppose Rafael Fonteles
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is weighing who should lead Brazil’s Finance Ministry, and allies have raised objections to Rafael Fonteles, the re-elected governor of Piauí.
Taking the job would require Fonteles to leave the state government, and some of Lula’s aides say he has not been tested in Brasília.
Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin has become a more prominent option, though aides worry that replacing him later could be difficult.
Senator Camilo Santana is also being considered for government roles, while Fernando Haddad could move to the chief of staff post if Santana is not chosen for it.
Finance Minister Dario Durigan is trying to secure his position as markets press for measures to balance the 2027 budget.
The budget proposal needs changes approved this year, or it could face a more difficult vote in Congress next year.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reconsidering Rafael Fonteles for the finance ministry after allies raised objections to his possible appointment, Folha reported.
Fonteles, the re-elected governor of Piauí, would have to resign from the state government to take the job.
Some of Lula’s aides reportedly worry that this would make Fonteles difficult to remove and that he has not been tested in Brasília.
Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin and Senator Camilo Santana are among the other names being considered.
Lula has told aides that choosing the finance minister requires great caution.
- Who
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is weighing finance minister options, including Rafael Fonteles, Geraldo Alckmin and Camilo Santana.
- What
- Lula is considering alternatives to Fonteles after allies raised objections to his appointment.
- When
- Folha published its report on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Brazil. Fonteles is governor of Piauí.
- Why
- A move to the ministry would require Fonteles to resign as governor, and aides reportedly worry he would be difficult to dismiss and has not been tested in Brasília.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lula had considered Fonteles for the finance ministry, according to Folha.
Folha reported that objections from allies had weakened Fonteles’s prospects and that Lula was weighing other options.
- Fonteles
- Re-elected governor of Piauí
- Possible alternative
- Geraldo Alckmin, vice-president
- Another possible alternative
- Camilo Santana, senator from Ceará
- Current finance minister
- Dario Durigan
- Budget year
- The 2027 budget proposal needs adjustments approved this year, Folha reported.
What people are saying
placing a person who is impossible to dismiss would be almost like putting a prime minister in the most important ministry
The only person who speaks on behalf of the Lula government on economic policy is Minister Durigan.