Rio is expected to head the Ministry of Tourism, and Pedro Paulo is the leading candidate for the position.

By Ricardo Bruno

In recent hours, there has been growing understanding that Rio de Janeiro should have a prominent presence in President Lula's cabinet. This position perfectly reflects the state's profile, historically the gateway to Brazil, and should be filled by a politician with the necessary influence and influence for the task. Among the president-elect's closest allies, it's no surprise that Rio will receive the Ministry of Tourism. And the most likely candidate for the post is Congressman Pedro Paulo, from the PSD party.

On Friday, there were intense discussions and phone calls to refine the negotiations in this regard. Consultations were held with the PSD, which responded positively to the nomination of Pedro Paulo for the position under the party quota. Emissaries from the national leadership of the party reported the conversations with the core members of the Workers' Party directly to Mayor Eduardo Paes. They desired and obtained his approval for the ongoing negotiation.

Initially, Pedro Paulo's name was mentioned for the Ministry of Planning. The presence of the Rio de Janeiro congressman in the group of authorities managing the economy could reduce market distrust regarding fiscal responsibility. An economist by training, Pedro Paulo is a staunch defender of balanced public accounts.

 In the last 24 hours, however, with the confirmation of Fernando Haddad's selection for Finance Ministry, the possibility has opened up for Pedro Paulo to be moved to the Ministry of Tourism. The idea has the support of the president-elect's closest advisors and Lula himself.

Pedro Paulo in the Ministry of Tourism fulfills several roles: he serves the PSD party, especially its president Gilberto Kassab; he satisfies the party's federal representatives, who unanimously support him; he serves Mayor Eduardo Paes, a long-time ally; and he sends a message to the people of Rio de Janeiro regarding the state's prestige in ministerial representation. Not to mention the subliminal message that Rio will now hold weight and relevance in public policies aimed at promoting tourism.

Congressman Marcelo Freixo coveted the Ministry of Tourism. However, his name did not advance due to political reasons. The PSB already has the Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, and in the list of party figures for a possible second ministry, former governor Márcio França would be the preferred choice.

Not to mention that it was necessary to cater to both Rio and Mayor Eduardo Paes at the same time, something that Freixo's nomination definitely wouldn't have been able to achieve.