President Lula Urges Rio's Interim Governor to Clamp Down on Organized Crime

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly called on Ricardo Couto, the interim Governor of Rio de Janeiro, to prioritize arresting the “thieves and militiamen” who have long infiltrated and controlled parts of the state. Speaking at the inauguration of a new health technology center at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Lula emphasized that citizens desire decisive action against organized crime over infrastructure projects.

Lula alerted that Rio de Janeiro, despite its global renown, has been severely impacted by criminal groups dominating territories, stating, “It’s not possible for Rio de Janeiro, the most famous city in the world, to be overrun by organized crime.” He urged Governor Couto to leverage his current position to dismantle these networks, warning that the public has endured this misgovernance for too long.

The president assured that the federal government stands ready to support Rio’s efforts, although he noted that the 1988 Constitution limits the Union’s direct role in state security affairs. To enhance coordinated public safety, Lula reaffirmed his push for the Senate to approve the Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC) 18/25, which proposes the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Public Security.

Ricardo Couto assumed the interim governorship following the resignation of Cláudio Castro, who stepped down amid legal proceedings and before being convicted by the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE). The Supreme Federal Court (STF) has upheld Couto’s provisional appointment until a court decision determines the timing of elections for the state executive position.

Lula’s intervention arrives at a pivotal moment, with recent high-profile arrests reinforcing the calls to restore rule of law in Rio. His remarks underline a broader national commitment to combating militias and corruption that have historically hampered governance in Brazil’s crucial southeastern state.