After allegations, Nunes dismisses Deputy Secretary of Tourism; president of SPTuris leaves office
São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes has dismissed Deputy Secretary of Tourism Rodolfo Marinho da Silva following allegations of his links to a controversial advertising agency with municipal contracts.
São Paulo's Mayor Ricardo Nunes has taken decisive action by dismissing Deputy Secretary of Tourism Rodolfo Marinho da Silva after the municipal Audit Office initiated an investigation into his potential connections with an advertising agency involved in significant contracts with the city. The departure of Marinho comes amid rising scrutiny, with a report highlighting that the agency, MM Quarter, was awarded contracts without a bidding process, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in municipal dealings.
The announcement of the dismissal was made in a video posted by Nunes on his social media, reflecting a commitment to integrity within his administration. In a notable development, Nunes has also appointed Marcelo Vieira Salles, a retired police colonel and former sub-prefect of Sé, to take over the leadership at SPTuris, the organization responsible for promoting tourism in São Paulo. Nunes hinted at a desire for organizational change as investigations proceed, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the city's leadership.
Additionally, Gustavo Pires, who was leading SPTuris at the time, is reported to have stepped down voluntarily to facilitate a thorough investigation. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges that the current administration faces regarding governance and ethical standards, as public officials are increasingly accountable for their decisions and associations. The developments may significantly impact the municipal governance landscape in São Paulo, indicating a potential shift towards greater scrutiny of public contracts and administrative practices.