TSE Opens Trial That Could Unseat Rio Governor Cláudio Castro Over 2022 Abuse Claims

Overview

• The Superior Electoral Court began hearing the Electoral Prosecution Service’s appeal to overturn the Rio regional court’s 4–3 acquittal of Cláudio Castro in May 2024.
• Prosecutors allege abuse of political and economic power through irregular hiring at Ceperj and Uerj, with an inquiry reporting R$248 million in cash withdrawals by those involved.
• Castro and at least a dozen allies are defendants in the case, and the governor’s defense says all government actions were lawful and unrelated to the 2022 campaign.
• Relator Isabel Gallotti leads the case, the PGE previously urged cassation and ineligibility, and ministers anticipate a request for review even as the court seeks a ruling before the 2026 elections.
• The hearing comes a week after a Rio police megaoperation that left 121 dead, a context that reporting says has recently strengthened Castro’s political standing.