Pressed after being operation target from the Federal Police in the case of Master Bankthe senator Ciro Nogueiraone of the main leaders of the center and national president of PPintensifies political agenda in Piauí and tries to shield his re-election project by Senate.
Ciro Nogueira was searched and seized during a PF operation on May 7. The investigation finds out whether the senator received Daniel Vorcarofrom Master, recurring monthly payments, in addition to other advantages, under suspicion of exchanging favors. He denies the accusations and claims to be the victim of a “fabricated attack”.
The senator, who was even considered for the position of vice-president on the presidential ticket Flavio Bolsonaro (PL), has avoided contact with the press and sought to consolidate strongholds he built in Piauí, mainly with elected mayors and regional leaders.
Ciro Nogueira visited six municipalities in a single day this month and, over the next ten days, participating in sessions virtually, he intends to carry out a marathon of activities in the interior of the state in search of political support. He will participate in opening ceremonies and visit construction sites.
In Piauí, Ciro Nogueira is opposing governor Rafael Fonteles (PT), who is seeking re-election, and has launched the former mayor of Floriano, Joel Rodrigues (PP), as his opponent.
In the capital, the senator has the support of the mayor of Teresina, Silvio Mendes (União Brasil).
In the state, a government retreat could favor his re-election. PT leaders assess that the withdrawal of the pre-candidacy of Iasmin Dias (PT), daughter of minister Wellington Dias, as a substitute for the Senate strengthens the pre-candidacy of Ciro Nogueira.
The name of Iasmin Dias was seen as the main strong counterpoint to prevent government leaders, with interference from Wellington Dias, from voting for Ciro Nogueira.
The architect and businesswoman was tipped to be Júlio César’s first deputy, PSD federal deputy and pre-candidate for the Senate on Governor Rafael Fonteles’ ticket. But last week, Iasmin announced that she will no longer be a candidate.
João de Deus, former president of the PT, says he does not believe in this thesis that Ciro Nogueira has an advantage. “It is an issue that has already been resolved. Minister Wellington Dias spoke with the party president, Fábio Novo, declared his support for Júlio César’s candidacy and said that he will get involved in the campaign”, he stated.
He also said that the PT and Wellington Dias agreed to nominate the name of former councilor Rosário Bezerra (PT) as Júlio César’s first substitute.
In Piauí, Ciro Nogueira has the support of at least 200 mayors, including PT and government base managers, such as MDB and PSD. In municipal elections, the PP elected 34 mayors in the 224 existing municipalities.
The senator has avoided linking his image to that of the Bolsonarists in Piauí. Flávio Bolsonaro’s PL launched its own candidacy for the Government of Piauí under the name of journalist Toni Rodrigues. Even with the political alignment of opposition to the PT members, the PP and PL go to the elections on different platforms in the state.
