TSE Begins Judging Impeachment Case Against Rio Governor Cláudio Castro

Superior Electoral Court Initiates Review

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in Brazil began judging a process today, November 4, 2025, that seeks the impeachment of Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro. The case also involves former Vice-Governor Thiago Pampolha and the President of the Legislative Assembly, Rodrigo Bacellar. They are accused of abuse of political and economic power, irregular campaign financing, and violations of electoral conduct during the 2022 elections.

Allegations of Irregular Campaign Financing

The core of the accusations centers on the alleged misuse of state structures, specifically the Fundação Centro Estadual de Estatísticas, Pesquisas e Formação de Servidores Públicos do Rio de Janeiro (Ceperj) and the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), for electoral gain.

• The prosecution alleges the appointment of 'ghost' employees or campaign workers to public positions.
• There are claims of the creation of social programs without legal or budgetary backing.
• A 'secret payroll' of between 18,000 and 27,000 individuals reportedly hired without public tender is under scrutiny, with approximately R$248 million allegedly withdrawn in cash.

The Public Electoral Ministry (MPE) and the coalition of then-candidate Marcelo Freixo (Psol/PT) filed the appeals to the TSE. They are contesting a decision by the Rio de Janeiro Regional Electoral Court (TRE-RJ), which acquitted the defendants in May 2023, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.

The Judicial Process and Potential Outcomes

The case is being heard by the TSE, with Minister Isabel Gallotti serving as the relator. She is expected to present her report and vote during today's session. Following her vote, six other ministers of the court will also cast their votes.

The potential outcomes are significant: if the appeals are accepted, the mandates of Governor Castro and his co-accused could be cassated, and they could be declared ineligible for eight years. If the appeals are rejected, the process will be archived. There is an expectation that the judgment might be interrupted by a 'pedido de vista' (request for more time to review) from another minister, which could delay the final decision.

Governor Castro has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that 'all government actions followed legal procedures, without any relation to the electoral campaign' and that the TRE-RJ had previously rejected the case due to 'total inconsistency and lack of evidence'.