Haddad criticizes São Paulo governor over security appointments

Fernando Haddad criticized Governor Tarcísio de Freitas for appointing colonels to lead the State Secretariat of Public Security in São Paulo.

The dispute highlights a deepening rift between the state government and federal authorities over how to manage crime and public safety in Brazil's most populous state.

Haddad, a candidate for governor representing the Workers' Party (PT), spoke during an interview with CNN Brasil on Monday night. He said that placing high-ranking military officers in civilian security leadership roles has undermined the established hierarchy of the state's security apparatus.

"Perdemos a cadeia de comando," Haddad said, noting that the chain of command has been lost.

Beyond the internal appointments, Haddad said that Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) has actively turned down federal assistance regarding security matters. He said that the refusal of this aid demonstrates a lack of necessary integration between state and federal authorities, which he said is essential for effectively combating crime.

Haddad said that the current leadership approach hampers the coordination required to address systemic security challenges. He said the integration of resources and intelligence between different levels of government is the only way to ensure public safety.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has not issued a formal response to these specific allegations regarding the rejection of federal aid. The tension comes as the gubernatorial race intensifies, with security remaining a central pillar of the political debate in São Paulo.