Pires seeks to make possible nomination for the presidency of Petrobras, say economist allies

Allies of economist Adriano Pires say that he is studying ways to make his nomination for the presidency of Petrobras viable, although they admit that the formatting of the law that governs the rules for appointments to positions in state-owned companies prevents “a market name” from directing the oil company.

The information about Pires’ withdrawal was published by Malu Gaspar, from the newspaper O Globo. Hours later, the Planalto Palace and the Ministry of Mines and Energy released a note denying having received any official communiqué.

This version, that the decision has not yet been taken or formalized, is endorsed by Pires’ allies. According to this group that supports the economist, there is work to “face the obstacles” and Pires would still have meetings this Monday (4th) to outline scenarios.

Chosen by President Jair Bolsonaro last week, Pires has headed an energy consultancy for years that provides services to a number of companies in the sector, including competitors of Petrobras.

Due to its performance in the market, the Public Ministry of Accounts launched an offensive to scrutinize Pires’ business, indicating that, if he took over the post, the economist would possibly see his company and its client portfolio being examined.

According to a friend of Adriano Pires, the situation is paradoxical because what “qualifies him for the [experiência no mercado de petróleo] is what can harm the indication”.

Ministers of the Court of Auditors of the Union heard by the CNN Brazil say otherwise. That the case of Pires has very clear contexts of conflict of interest.

Faced with the impasse, Planalto and ministries are looking for ways to mitigate the conflict.

Over the weekend, it was the president of Flamengo, Rodolfo Landim, who declined the nomination for the presidency of the Board of Directors of Petrobras.