Internal Rift in PL Party Over Alesp Presidency Succession
Outgoing president André do Prado faces resistance from party members over his chosen successors.
1Leadership Succession Conflict
Senator-elect André do Prado is attempting to influence the selection of his successor as president of the São Paulo Legislative Assembly. By promoting two political novices, Rogério Franco and Rodrigo Ashiuchi, for the position, Prado has triggered significant internal friction within the PL party, which currently holds 27 seats in the house.
2Resistance from Party Members
The majority of the 15 deputies present at a recent caucus meeting rejected the idea of supporting a first-term legislator for the presidency. Many lawmakers are now pushing for an experienced, re-elected member to lead the assembly, suggesting a list of signatures to pressure the party leadership into selecting a more established candidate.
3Strategic Influence Concerns
Critics within the PL suggest that Prado’s active campaigning for Franco and Ashiuchi is a calculated move to maintain his grip on the assembly's administrative power and job appointments after he leaves for the Senate. This perceived power grab has alienated several senior deputies who seek more autonomy in the upcoming legislative term.
4Governor Tarcísio's Stance
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has signaled he will not interfere in the succession process unless a candidate emerges who opposes his administration's interests. However, reports indicate he is uncomfortable with Prado’s aggressive maneuvering and would prefer a candidate like Gilmaci Santos or Alex de Madureira to ensure stability in the legislative agenda.
5Legislative Stability Risks
There is growing concern among government allies that the new assembly president might struggle to manage the house effectively. With a high number of social media-focused influencers among the new deputies, there is a fear that legislative sessions could become platforms for viral content, potentially stalling critical government projects and policy initiatives.
6Proportionality and Opposition
The assembly traditionally follows an informal agreement of proportionality, which grants the presidency to the largest party, the PL, and the first secretary position to the second-largest, the PT. The PT is currently monitoring the PL's internal crisis, emphasizing the need for an experienced leader who can maintain order and decorum.
7Timeline for Decision
The PL party is expected to reach a final decision on its candidate by the end of November or mid-December at the latest. While some deputies remain loyal to the party hierarchy, others are actively exploring alternative candidates, including Marcos Damasio, Ricardo Madalena, and Tenente Coimbra, to replace the outgoing president.
8Broader Political Implications
The outcome of this election will define the power dynamics in São Paulo for the next term. As the assembly prepares for the February inauguration, the ability of the PL to resolve its internal divisions will determine whether the house remains a functional legislative body or descends into partisan gridlock and instability.
Original article: Folha – Poder — Internal Rift in PL Party Over Alesp Presidency Succession