Pressured by União Brasil, Celso Sabino informs Lula he will resign from the Ministry of Tourism

Sabino, a member of União Brasil, was elected as a federal deputy for Pará. He will return to the Chamber of Deputies after two years as Minister of Tourism. União Brasil accelerated their departure from the government, passing a resolution on Thursday (18) requiring party members to vacate government positions within 24 hours. During a meeting, Sabino explained to Lula the party’s decision and expressed his intention to participate in important ministry agendas in the coming days. He informed Lula that upon the president’s return from New York, he would submit a resignation letter. Lula is expected back in Brazil on Thursday (25). Sabino engaged in discussions with leaders and allies in recent weeks in an attempt to find a solution and prevent his departure from the ministry. He hoped to remain in office until COP30 in November, held in Belém. The party’s national leadership endorsed a rule stipulating that members who do not vacate their government positions may face disciplinary action, including expulsion. The directive for party members to leave Lula’s administration was issued following reports linking the party’s national president, Antonio de Rueda, to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), which Rueda denies. In a press release, the party suggests government influence in the release of such information, indicating a perceived use of state resources for Rueda’s discredit.