Juscelino Filho resignation from the Ministry of Communications

Communications Minister Juscelino Filho announced his resignation on Tuesday (8). The decision comes after he is denounced by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) on suspicion of involvement in a diversion scheme of parliamentary amendments during his mandate as a federal deputy.

In an open letter, Juscelino expressed the need to devote himself to his defense, stating that the accusations against him are unfounded. “I need to dedicate myself to my defense, with serenity and firmness, because I know that the truth will prevail,” said the minister, who also announced his return to the mandate of federal deputy for Maranhão. He stressed his confidence in the institutions, especially in the Federal Supreme Court, so that the truth is clarified.

Juscelino’s resignation had been discussed earlier, especially after the Federal Police presented his indictment in June last year. At the time, President Lula decided to keep him in office, but made it clear that any indictment could result in his resignation. PF’s inquiry investigates Juscelino’s involvement in the misappropriation of resources from parliamentary amendments to the paving of streets in Vitorino Freire, a city that was administered by his sister until last year.

Juscelino’s defense denies any irregularity, stating that his role was only to indicate parliamentary amendments, without interference with the execution of the works. The minister, who is 40 years old and is a doctor and entrepreneur in São Luís, was appointed to the Ministry of Communications in January 2023, after an appointment of Senator Davi Alcolumbre.

Read the full letter of Juscelino Filho:

Open letter

Today I made one of the most difficult decisions of my public trajectory. I asked President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva my dismissal from the position of Minister of Communications. I did not do so for lack of commitment, quite the contrary. I go out to believe that at this time, the most important thing is to protect the country project that we help build and I keep believing.

Over the past two and four months, I have lived the most challenging – and at the same time, more beautiful – mission of my public life: to help connect Brazilians and unite Brazil. Working for a country where digital inclusion is not privilege, but right. Bring the internet where there was only isolation before. Create opportunities where there was only the absence of the state.

I had the unconditional support of President Lula. A leader to whom I admire deeply and who always assured me freedom and supports to work with autonomy and courage. I never had attachment to office, but I always had a passion for the possibility of turning people’s lives – especially those who need it most.

The decision to leave now is also a gesture of respect for the Brazilian government and the people. I need to dedicate myself to my defense, with serenity and firmness, because I know that the truth will prevail. The accusations that hit me are unfounded, and I fully trust the institutions of our country, especially in the Supreme Court, so that it becomes clear. Justice will come!

I will resume my mandate as a federal deputy for Maranhão, where I will continue fighting for Brazil. With the same commitment, the same energy and even more faith.

I leave the ministry with my head raised and the feeling of duty fulfilled. Brazil is on another level. We are taking a broadband to 138,000 schools, we unlocked Fust – which had been standing for over two decades – for investment of over $ 3 billion in digital inclusion projects, we deliver more than 56,000 computers in needy communities, we are connecting the Amazon with 12,000 km of submerged fiber optics and we will prompt TV 3.0 ready to revolutionize the country.

It is this legacy I leave. And it is with him that I follow, standing, fighting for justice, democracy and the Brazilian people.

My thanks to all my team, President Lula, once again, to my União Brasil party and, in particular, to the people of Maranhão who chose me to be their representative in public life. I am very proud to be Maranhão and to have contributed to my state and my country.