Fufuca remains in Lula's government and is removed from the PP.
The decision was announced by Ciro Nogueira and removes the minister from the leadership of the party in Maranhão.
247 - The Minister of Sport, André Fufuca (PP-MA), was removed from his internal functions at Progressistas this Wednesday (8). The measure was confirmed in an official statement released by the party's national president, Ciro Nogueira.
According to information published by the g1The decision also affects the state directory of Maranhão, where Fufuca held a leadership position. The party intervention comes after the minister ignored the party's ultimatum to leave the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
Official note
In the statement, Ciro Nogueira affirmed that, due to disobeying the National Executive's decision and remaining in the ministry, the congressman is removed from all internal decisions and from the national vice-presidency of the party. The text also highlights that an intervention will be made in the Progressistas party's directory in Maranhão, removing Fufuca from the state presidency.
The statement further reinforces the party's position regarding the federal government. "The party reiterates its position that it is not and will not be part of the current government, with which it shares no ideological or programmatic identification."
Fufuca's statements and support for Lula
Despite the pressure, Fufuca maintained his position to remain in the government. This Monday (6), during an event alongside President Lula in Maranhão, the minister declared: "I am with Lula".
The public show of support occurred even after the federation formed by União Brasil and Progressistas had determined, in September, that its members should resign from positions in the Executive branch.
The distancing is part of a strategic move by the party federation, which includes União Brasil and PP, aimed at the 2026 presidential election. The goal is to distance themselves from Lula's administration and consolidate their opposition position.
On the same date as the announcement about Fufuca, the Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, confirmed that he will remain in office, contradicting the guidance of União Brasil.
