Brazil’s Lula names Tomé Franca as new ports and airports minister

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (March 31), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed a change at the helm of Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports. Silvio Costa Filho, who had led the ministry until now, is stepping down to comply with electoral law, and the post will now be taken over by current Executive Secretary Tomé Franca.

During the meeting with ministers, Lula said the changes were designed to ensure continuity in government management. “I decided not to appoint any new ministers. We have a machine that is already functioning, and no ministry will have to start all over again. The duty of those who remain is to finish the job and keep the machine running without any interruption,” he said.

As he left the ministry, Silvio Costa Filho thanked the president for the opportunity to lead the portfolio and expressed confidence in the continuity of the administration. “I leave the ministry convinced that we advanced important projects for the country. I leave the Ministry of Ports and Airports certain that the work will continue, because Tomé has the experience and knowledge to lead this agenda with confidence,” he said.

For Tomé Franca, the challenge will be to maintain the pace of delivery established by the ministry. “Silvio Costa Filho’s work placed the ports, airports and waterways sectors firmly on Brazil’s agenda, with the completion of important projects and the development of public policies aimed at advancing these transport modes. We will focus on delivery and ensure an environment of predictability and legal certainty so we can continue attracting more investment to the country,” he said.

New minister

A native of Recife, in Pernambuco state, Tomé Franca has more than 20 years of experience in public administration. He has served as Pernambuco’s secretary for urban development and housing, executive secretary for tourism in the state government, and Recife city’s sanitation secretary. He has also worked in the legislative and judicial branches as a parliamentary adviser and chief of staff.

At the Ministry of Ports and Airports, he previously held the posts of chief of staff, national secretary for civil aviation and executive secretary, the role he occupied before taking over leadership of the ministry.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports

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