Brazil acting culture minister resigns

Brazil's acting Culture Minister João Batista de Andrade requested permission to leave office he had taken in May this year. In a letter sent to President Michel Temer, Andrade says he is not interested in acquiring permanent status as minister. The request was made today (Jun 17).

“I respectfully announce my disinterest in being the permanent minister of culture,” a part of his letter is said to read. “Therefore, I confirm I am willing to contribute the most proactive way possible with the transition to the new administration of the Ministry of Culture until the next minister of culture and his executive secretary are appointed,” the text says.

Then executive secretary for culture, Andrade took office as acting minister after Deputy Roberto Freire quit his position. Freire said his decision was based on President Temer's not having resigned as president, as had been suggested by his party, the PPS (Popular Socialist Party), after the content of a plea bargain deal by Joesley Batista, owner of meatpacking giant JBS, emerged.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira