By Indianara Goz
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) has chosen federal deputy Ricardo Salles (Novo-SP) to lead the state's Justice and Citizenship Secretariat. The decision was made on Monday, November 9, in a meeting with members of the state government's top team, according to a report published on November 10, 2026 (Brasília time). São Paulo is Brazil's most populous state, and its state secretariats function as cabinet-level departments.
Who is Ricardo Salles
Salles is a well-known figure in Brazilian politics and has been at the center of debates in Congress. The photo accompanying the report is an archive image showing him during a parliamentary inquiry commission (CPI) on the Landless Workers' Movement (MST) at the Chamber of Deputies on August 29, 2023. Salles also served as Brazil's environment minister under President Jair Bolsonaro, from 2019 to 2021.
What the appointment signals
The Justice and Citizenship Secretariat is one of the state departments most closely linked to public security and the daily life of São Paulo residents. By placing a federal deputy at its head, Tarcísio signals that he wants a name with a strong political profile and good access to the legislature.
The report says that details about the handover within the department and the date Salles will take office have not yet been announced.
Background
Tarcísio de Freitas leads the state government of São Paulo, and his choice of a sitting federal lawmaker to run a key state department reflects how the governor is building his cabinet. Salles represents the Novo party in São Paulo in the federal Chamber of Deputies.
VDD Analysis
The selection of Ricardo Salles reinforces Tarcísio's bet on figures with a clear conservative position and willingness for political confrontation. For those who defend more firmness in the justice area and less tolerance for disorder, the message is positive. The next steps of the administration will show whether the appointment translates into concrete results for the state.
