Investigation in Europe about Tarcísio’s vice-president raises tensions over the ticket

The investigation involving the vice-governor of São Paulo, Felício Ramuth (PSD), occurs at a time when parties are competing for space on Tarcísio de Freitas’ (Republicans) re-election ticket. The investigation deals with suspected money laundering in Andorra and adds a political component to internal negotiations.

According to a publication in the newspaper The GlobeRamuth and his wife, Vanessa, are the targets of a case that has been ongoing since May 2023 in the European country’s courts. The investigation involves transfers made between 2009 and 2011 to an account linked to the couple.

The blocked amount would be around US$1.4 million. The transactions would originate from companies registered in countries such as the United States and Luxembourg, which are still under investigation.

The lieutenant governor already gave testimony last year, and Vanessa was heard in person in Andorra. In a statement, Ramuth denied irregularities and stated that he presented documents proving the legal origin of the resources. He also maintained that the values ​​have been included in asset declarations since 2009.

Tarcísio was asked about the impact of the case on the formation of the ticket and stated that the investigation does not change his plans. During an event at the Butantan Institute, he classified the episode as “gossip before the election” and said that the topic is old and already clarified.

Vice under pressure

Despite the governor’s public defense, the vice position is at the center of a partisan dispute. Ramuth seeks to remain in his post, but faces internal and external competition.

The PSD, his party, is experiencing a moment of tension with the state government, amid the deterioration in the relationship between Tarcísio and Gilberto Kassab, national president of the party and current secretary of Government and Institutional Relations.

At the same time, the PL intensified movements to occupy the space. State deputies articulate a letter in support of the president of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp), André do Prado (PL), as an alternative to compose the ticket.

The document, according to reports, highlights the role of the Legislature in relevant issues of the current administration, such as the privatization of Sabesp and the advancement of Rodoanel Norte.

Impact on the political board

The investigation in Andorra is still in the preliminary phase and there is no definitive court decision. Still, the episode occurs at a sensitive moment in party negotiations and can be used as an argument by groups interested in the composition.

At Palácio dos Bandeirantes, Ramuth is seen as a name aligned with the governor’s strategy, but the pressure from the centrão and Bolsonarism for greater protagonism increases the political cost of any decision.

The dispute for vice-governorship, traditionally treated as a question of party balance, became part of the center of the discussions. The evolution of the investigation and the internal environment in the PL and PSD should influence the pace of these definitions in the coming months.