Patrus Ananias Says 'Yes' to PT, But Conditions Candidacy in Minas Gerais on Meeting with Lula

Federal Deputy Patrus Ananias has signaled his willingness to run for Governor of Minas Gerais under the Workers' Party (PT) banner. However, the final decision hinges on a crucial meeting with President Lula da Silva, anticipated in the coming days. Ananias conveyed his tentative 'yes' to the PT leadership this week after being sounded out for the position. Sources close to the negotiations indicate the agreement is approximately 90% complete, awaiting only the presidential confirmation.

Ananias, 74, is a figure of considerable trust for President Lula. His political resume includes serving as the mayor of Belo Horizonte and as Minister of Social Development and Combating Hunger during Lula's first term. Notably, he was instrumental in the implementation of the Bolsa Família program, a flagship social welfare initiative.

The PT has been exploring its options for a gubernatorial candidate in Minas Gerais following Lula's push for the party to field its own contender. Ananias emerged as a leading possibility after Marília Campos, the former mayor of Contagem, declined the party's request, opting instead to run for the Senate. Despite Ananias's potential candidacy, the PT aims to secure support from other potential candidates in the state, including those from the MDB and PSB parties, who currently have their own gubernatorial hopefuls.