Bolsonaro fires Education Minister Vélez

The new minister is Abraham Weintraub

Published on 08/04/2019 - 14:05 By Andreia Verdélio - Brasília

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro today (Apr. 8) ousted Education Minister Ricardo Vélez Rodríguez, and announced Professor Abraham Weintraub for the post.

“Abraham is a PhD, a university professor and has a wide experience in management, as well as the necessary knowledge for the ministry,” the president wrote on his Twitter account. “I would also like to thank Professor Vélez for the services provided,” Bolsonaro added.

A professor at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), Weintraub holds a master’s degree in business from the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). He is also a financial market executive, has worked in the Votorantim group, and has been a member of the BM&FBovespa’s Trading Committee. In 2016, he coordinated the presentation of an alternative pension reform created by Unifesp professors.

Abraham Weintraub, novo ministro da Educação de Bolsonaro
Professor Abraham Weintraub - Rafael Carvalho/Casa Civil

Weintraub has served as executive secretary with the office of the president’s Chief of Staff Onyx Lorenzoni. He is replacing Colombian Ricardo Vélez.

Vélez met with Bolsonaro this morning (8) at the Planalto presidential palace. He left the place through a private door and did not talk to the press.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Fernando Fraga / Nira Foster

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