São Paulo court orders removal of posts by Tarcísio and Nunes governments during election period

A São Paulo electoral judge ordered the state government and the city administration to take down social media posts showing public deliveries during the election advertising blackout. The preliminary ruling gives officials 24 hours to remove the material or face a daily fine of 10,000 reais.

Fernando Haddad's Workers' Party campaign brought the complaint against São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes. It cited posts on Agência SP and government social media accounts covering projects and services, including the delivery of Praça do Triunfo, Residencial Ipê and Metro Line 17-Gold.

Judge Domitila Manssur said keeping institutional advertising online during the legally prohibited period justified removing the content. She also said the danger of harm was present, supporting an immediate measure.

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The danger of harm is likewise present.

The judge drew a distinction between government operations and campaign publicity. She said the election calendar does not halt state administration, and that the executive may inspect works, monitor services and deliver equipment as part of regular government duties. Her ruling therefore did not decide whether the posts amounted to political abuse or an improper use of communication channels.

Manssur described the removal order as appropriate and reversible. She said it would not prevent administrative activities from continuing or block the publication of information that the law allows officials to make public.

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The removal measure is also appropriate and reversible, without preventing the continuation of administrative activities or the publication of information whose disclosure is legally permitted.