Political Landscape Shifts in Minas Gerais Ahead of 2025 Elections

Minas Gerais’ political alignments are shifting as new candidates emerge, ending earlier consensus and marking a more competitive 2025 gubernatorial race.

    Key details

  • • Mateus Simões’ initial consensus candidacy with PSD dissolves as new candidates emerge.
  • • MDB nominates Gabriel Azevedo to reclaim political identity amid established powers.
  • • Republicanos considers Senator Cleitinho Azevedo to attract anti-establishment voters.
  • • Political landscape shifts toward a dynamic, competitive election rather than hegemonic unity.

The political scene in Minas Gerais is undergoing notable realignments as the 2025 elections approach, moving away from earlier projections of consensus toward a more fragmented and competitive contest. Mateus Simões’ recent joining of the PSD initially suggested a united front for the governorship, but this alliance quickly unraveled as new candidates emerged, destabilizing the earlier political equilibrium.

The MDB has reasserted its presence by nominating Gabriel Azevedo, former Belo Horizonte City Council president, as its gubernatorial candidate. Azevedo's campaign signals a strategic effort to reclaim the party's identity amid the current dominance of Governor Romeu Zema's economic liberalism and the lingering influence of the PT’s lulismo.

At the same time, the Republicanos party is considering launching Senator Cleitinho Azevedo to appeal to voters disenchanted with traditional political elites, marking a shift from their prior government support. This decision reflects broader changes in Minas' political dynamics, presenting voters with diverse options and signaling the end of earlier hegemonic alliances.

According to Rede98, this evolving scenario points to a vibrant and unpredictable electoral battle, highlighting a departure from previous consensus-driven strategies toward a more pluralistic political environment.