São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has downplayed the postponement of a key political support event, stating it has no negative effect on his campaign for re-election. The event, organized by the Progressistas (PP) party, was scheduled for this coming Monday in the state capital but was delayed following a major federal investigation.
The postponement came after the Federal Police included Senator Ciro Nogueira in its probe into the Banco Master scandal. Investigators allege the senator received monthly payments of up to R$500,000 from the bank's owner, Daniel Vorcaro. The investigation further claims that luxury expenses, including hotels, fine dining, and private jet flights, were covered by the businessman.
During a press conference in Itaquaquecetuba, where he was inaugurating new ICU beds at the local general hospital, Governor Tarcísio addressed the situation directly. "It has nothing to do with us. It doesn't hurt anything," he stated, firmly separating his campaign from the controversy surrounding the senator and the bank.
Despite distancing his campaign from the scandal, Tarcísio did not shy away from commenting on the gravity of the allegations. He described the situation as a "huge scandal" of "gigantic proportions," emphasizing that the public demands answers and is tired of episodes of corruption. He called for a thorough investigation, insisting that all involved parties must be probed "no matter the cost."
The governor also sought to reassure his supporters about the stability of his political coalition. He emphasized that the alliance built around his government remains solid, noting it includes not only the PP but also the Republicanos, PL, PSD, MDB, União Brasil, and Podemos parties. The event's delay, he implied, is a minor logistical matter that does not reflect on the strength of these political partnerships.
Tarcísio's comments were made during the launch of his "Caravana 3D" (Development, Dignity, and Dialogue) tour through the Alto Tietê region. His schedule included multiple public works inaugurations, such as the Fatec in Suzano and a new maternity hospital in Mogi das Cruzes, showcasing his administration's focus on infrastructure and health services ahead of the 2026 election.
Based on reporting from g1.