Minas Gerais Governor Mateus Simões (PSD) said it would be more convenient if former governor Romeu Zema did not run for the presidency [1].
The statement highlights potential internal friction within the state's political alliance as the 2026 election cycle progresses. Simões' comments suggest that a presidential bid by Zema could complicate the political landscape in Minas Gerais, and potentially impact Simões' own re-election efforts [1].
Speaking June 8, 2026 [1], during an interview on the program “Café com Política” for the O Tempo newspaper, Simões addressed the dynamics of his relationship with the former governor [1]. Despite his reservations, the governor said that he respects the decision of his ally to pursue the higher office [1].
"Seria mais conveniente que Zema não fosse candidato, mas respeito," Simões said [1].
The governor reaffirmed his support for Zema despite the strategic concerns regarding the state's political scenario [1]. The tension underscores the balance Simões must maintain between personal political ambitions, and party loyalty within the PSD framework [1].
Simões said that the decision to run for president is Zema's to make, regardless of the convenience for other regional leaders [1]. The interview provided a rare glimpse into the strategic calculations facing the administration in Minas Gerais as they navigate the pre-candidacy phase [1].
“"Seria mais conveniente que Zema não fosse candidato, mas respeito."”
This admission reveals a strategic rift between the current and former leadership of Minas Gerais. While public unity is maintained, the governor's acknowledgment that Zema's candidacy is 'inconvenient' suggests that a national campaign may drain local resources or shift political alignments in a way that threatens the current administration's stability and re-election prospects.
