Ciro Nogueira, president of Brazil’s PP, is expected to move away from the front line of political disputes and focus on behind-the-scenes work after losing his bid for another term as a senator for Piauí. He was defeated by allies of state governor Rafael Fonteles of the Workers’ Party (PT).
Nogueira had also expected to be appointed a minister if Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) won, but that outcome did not occur. His remaining leadership role is at the head of the PP.
He is expected to give Antonio Rueda, president of União Brasil and a newly elected federal deputy for Rio de Janeiro, more room to speak for the União Progressista federation. Nogueira has also not taken part in discussions with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government about the PP joining Lula’s fourth term. Those contacts have been handled by the party’s leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Dr. Luizinho, who represents Rio de Janeiro.
PP and União Brasil approved a policy late last year barring members from joining Lula’s government, but both parties are now open to nominating ministers. Despite his expected lower public profile, allies say Nogueira will remain in charge of the PP and faces no threat to his position. He did not respond to a request for comment.
Sources: Folha Poder.