# Internal Conflict Rocks Minas Gerais Public Ministry Election A candidate faces criminal investigation over alleged administrative advocacy amid a heated leadership race. - **Source:** [Estadão](https://www.estadao.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8e4dd751-3791-461b-ad87-619cbd1c559b ## Leadership Race Controversy The election for the head of the Minas Gerais Public Ministry has intensified following an investigation into candidate Carlos Eduardo Ferreira Pinto. He is suspected of advocating for public officials linked to illegal mining operations. The internal probe has sparked claims of political maneuvering intended to sabotage his candidacy for the top position. ## Operation Rejeito Evidence Federal Police extracted incriminating dialogues from a mobile phone seized during Operation Rejeito, which probes illegal mining in the state. The messages allegedly show the prosecutor coordinating strategies with Fernando Baliani, a former environmental official dismissed for granting fraudulent licenses. These communications form the core of the current criminal investigation against the candidate. ## Allegations of Administrative Advocacy The investigation centers on whether the prosecutor committed administrative advocacy by intervening in disciplinary processes. Evidence suggests he met with a judge and a state controller to influence the reinstatement of Baliani. The prosecutor maintains these actions were part of his official duties and denies any wrongdoing regarding the environmental cases involved. ## Defense and Counter-Claims Carlos Eduardo Ferreira Pinto rejects the accusations, labeling them as politically motivated leaks. He asserts that the Corregedoria of the Public Ministry has already archived the case twice, finding no functional infractions. His defense argues that the current investigation lacks legal rigor and violates his fundamental right to a proper defense process. ## Opponent's Campaign Stance The incumbent prosecutor-general, Paulo de Tarso Morais Filho, is seeking reelection and has distanced his campaign from the scandal. He stated that his platform will not address investigations against competitors, emphasizing a commitment to institutional respect. He remains one of four candidates vying for the position in the upcoming November election. ## Institutional Response The Minas Gerais Public Ministry stated that all investigative procedures strictly follow legal requirements and due process. The institution emphasized its commitment to impartiality and the rights of all involved parties. It maintains that any allegations of misconduct must be examined by competent authorities based on documented facts rather than political narratives. ## The Election Process The election scheduled for November 10 will determine a three-name list to be submitted to Governor Mateus Simões. The governor will then select the next head of the institution from this list. This selection process is critical for the future direction of the state's legal oversight and its handling of environmental crimes. ## Broader Institutional Implications This internal conflict highlights the tensions within the Public Ministry regarding political influence and professional conduct. As the institution faces scrutiny over its internal investigations, the outcome of this election will likely impact public trust. Observers are watching to see how the institution balances its legal responsibilities with the ongoing electoral pressure. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/blog-do-fausto-macedo/disputa-por-chefia-do-mp-de-minas-tem-candidato-investigado-por-suspeita-de-crime-e-guerra-interna/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._