Lula Appoints Dario Durigan as New Finance Minister Amid Haddad's Political Shift

On March 19, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially confirmed Dario Durigan as the new Minister of Finance, succeeding Fernando Haddad, who resigned to pursue a gubernatorial run in São Paulo. Lula announced the change informally during the 17th Federative Caravan event in São Paulo, introducing Durigan as the future leader of Brazil's economic team and stating, "He is the one you will charge many things from."

Fernando Haddad, who served over three years as finance minister, expressed gratitude for the support during his tenure and highlighted his accomplishments, including the expansion of the income tax exemption threshold, the taxation of higher incomes, increased public investment, and securing the long-stalled tax reform. Haddad’s departure coincides with his announcement of candidacy for the São Paulo governorship later that evening alongside Lula.

Dario Durigan, previously executive secretary at the Finance Ministry, brings experience from both public service and the private sector and is expected to maintain continuity in the government’s fiscal policies. According to Haddad, key economic improvements during his ministry were driven by these fiscal measures.

This leadership transition arrives amid significant political and economic challenges, including tensions related to government policies such as the federal decision to eliminate diesel taxes to combat rising fuel costs. This move has led to conflicts between federal and state governments, with states resisting cuts that threaten their fiscal revenues, further complicating Brazil’s political landscape ahead of elections.

With Durigan now at the helm, the Finance Ministry is poised to continue navigating these complex economic and political waters, underlining the strategic importance of this ministerial change in the broader context of Brazil’s governance and upcoming elections.