Lewandowski Resigns as Brazil's Justice Minister, Top Aide Named Interim

Overview

• Effective January 9, secretary‑executive Manoel Carlos de Almeida Neto assumes interim command of the Justice and Public Security portfolio.
• In his resignation letter, Ricardo Lewandowski cited personal and family reasons and pointed to political, conjunctural and budgetary constraints.
• Reporting from O Globo describes accumulated friction with the Casa Civil and the government's communications office, and says Lula had asked him to remain longer.
• Officials say any move to create a separate Security Ministry depends on Congress passing the security PEC, which has been delayed and watered down.
• Names floated for succession include PF chief Andrei Rodrigues, CGU minister Vinícius Marques de Carvalho and Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, as the ministry’s PEC advances slowly and the anti‑gang bill awaits a final review in the Chamber.