During the 6th National Cities Conference in Brasília, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, for not utilizing available resources from the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) for essential infrastructure projects. Lula pointed out that the state has suffered from landslides resulting in multiple fatalities, attributing these disasters to historical negligence. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation to prevent further tragedies.

Lula highlighted that since the beginning of his government, Minas Gerais has been allocated R$ 3.5 billion for slope containment and macro-drainage works. During the conference, Lula engaged in a dialogue with Jader Filho, the Minister of Cities, regarding the responsibilities required from the state to access these funds. Jader pointed out that the governor needed to submit project proposals and documentation to enable the contracting and commencement of the works, which Lula's comments implied had not occurred.

The president's assertions bring attention to the need for state cooperation and accountability when it comes to disaster prevention and management. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between federal and state leadership, as well as the critical need for infrastructure investment in regions prone to natural disasters. Lula’s remarks may also serve to bolster his political position by showcasing his commitment to infrastructure development and public safety in the face of adversity.