Celso Sabino Confirms Departure from Brazil's Tourism Ministry Amid Party Pressure

Minister Sabino to Step Down

Celso Sabino, Brazil's Minister of Tourism, has confirmed his decision to depart from the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The announcement came after a meeting with the President on Friday, September 19, 2025, following intense pressure from his political party, União Brasil. Sabino's exit is expected to be formalized next week, after he fulfills scheduled commitments and upon President Lula's return from the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

União Brasil's Ultimatum and Political Realignment

The decision by Minister Sabino stems from an ultimatum issued by the national leadership of União Brasil, which demanded that its affiliated members resign from government posts within 24 hours. This directive reflects a growing political divergence between the party and the current administration. União Brasil, which recently formed a federation with the Progressistas (PP) party, is reportedly positioning itself towards the opposition, with an eye on the 2026 presidential elections and a potential endorsement of São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.

The party's move has also been linked to an investigation by the Federal Police involving Antônio Rueda, the national president of União Brasil. The party's leadership expressed 'profound strangeness' regarding the timing of these accusations, suggesting they coincided with their decision to distance themselves from the federal government.

Transition Period and Future Commitments

Despite the immediate pressure, Minister Sabino has agreed with President Lula to remain in his position for a few more days to conclude important agendas. This includes commitments related to the organization of COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Belém, Pará, Sabino's home state. President Lula is expected to return from New York on September 25, at which point Sabino intends to submit his formal letter of resignation.

Succession and Party Dynamics

With Sabino's imminent departure, discussions have begun regarding his successor. The outgoing minister is reportedly advocating for his executive secretary, Ana Carla Machado Lopes, to assume the leadership of the Tourism Ministry. This would potentially allow for continuity in the ministry's work, as Lopes is reportedly not affiliated with União Brasil.

While Sabino is leaving, União Brasil still has other ministers in the Lula government, including André Fufuca (Sports), Waldez Góes (National Integration), and Frederico Siqueira Filho (Communications). However, these ministers are largely considered personal appointments or are not directly impacted by the party's recent ultimatum, suggesting a nuanced approach to the party's disengagement from the government.