Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) is judging a request to remove Cláudio Castro from office.

247 - The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) began on Tuesday (4) the trial of appeals requesting the annulment of the mandate and the declaration of ineligibility of the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro (PL), and the vice-governor, Thiago Pampolha (MDB). The actions were brought by the Electoral Public Ministry (MPE) and by the coalition that supported Marcelo Freixo (PSB) in the 2022 elections, which accuse the two of abuse of political and economic power, in addition to improper use of the public machine.

The lawsuits were filed in September 2022 and allege irregularities in election spending, conduct prohibited for public officials, and the political use of state institutions. If the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) accepts the prosecution's arguments, the penalties could include the revocation of mandates and ineligibility for eight years. 

Allegations of irregularities at Ceperj and Uerj

According to g1The investigations focus primarily on the Ceperj Foundation — responsible for implementing state public policies — and the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj). According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, there was a diversion of Ceperj's funds for electoral purposes, with a significant increase in resources allocated to projects without legal authorization.

The agency also points to the creation of social programs outside the official budget and the maintenance of a "secret payroll" with approximately 18 employees hired without public competition. According to the prosecutors, these actions were used to expand Cláudio Castro's political reach during the election campaign.

Acquittal in the TRE-RJ (Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro) and a new appeal.

The Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) had acquitted Castro and Pampolha of the charges in the first instance. However, the Public Prosecutor's Office and Freixo's coalition appealed to the TSE, insisting on the conviction and the application of the ineligibility penalty.

In their defense, Cláudio Castro's lawyers stated that "the facts are of an administrative nature and did not interfere with the election results." Thiago Pampolha's defense argued that "the evidence presented is weak and the TRE-RJ's decision was duly justified."

The decision rests with the ministers.

The trial began with the reading of the report and the vote of Minister Isabel Gallotti, the case's rapporteur. Six other ministers of the Electoral Court still have to give their opinions. If the panel rejects the appeals, the case will be dismissed. Otherwise, it could determine the removal from office of Cláudio Castro and Thiago Pampolha, in addition to making them ineligible for eight years.