The court in Rio de Janeiro has ordered the immediate removal of the mayor of Saquarema, Manoela Peres, for a period of 90 days. The city, located in the lakes region of Rio de Janeiro, is under investigation for irregularities in the “Conexão do Futuro” program, which is aimed at providing reinforcement classes and extracurricular activities for students in the municipal school system.
The investigation, brought forward by the vice-mayor of Saquarema, Rômulo Carvalho de Almeida, along with 14 other defendants, alleges serious financial losses to the city due to illegal contracts that are often monitored by members of the companies providing the services. The action also claims that there were mechanisms put in place within the municipal administration to financially benefit a structured organization known as the “Peres Family”, involving companies, city employees, family members, and even the mayor herself in coordinated actions to misuse public funds.
According to Judge Marco Antonio Ibrahim from the 7th Public Law Chamber of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice, the action demonstrates extremely serious offenses against the public treasury, some of which have already been addressed by the State Court of Auditors. The judge also highlights that the investigations point to a complex family network involving Mayor Manoela Alves as having a direct or indirect interest in lucrative contracts with the government. He emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation to either punish those involved or clear the names of politicians and businessmen implicated in the allegations.
In addition to the immediate removal of the mayor, the judge has also frozen the assets of all defendants, totaling R$40 million, the estimated amount of damage caused. In response to the court’s decision, the Saquarema City Hall released a statement expressing the mayor’s shock at the ruling. The mayor, who was reelected with almost 79% of the votes, claims that as soon as she became aware of the allegations, she took corrective actions such as suspending the program, halting payments to the investigated organization, terminating the contract, and dismissing personnel involved. The mayor has stated her intention to appeal the decision in order to resume her duties and continue serving the people of Saquarema until the end of her term.