Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly criticized Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema for failing to develop projects to utilize R$3.5 billion allocated for the state from the federal government's Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). This criticism comes in the wake of deadly floods that have claimed at least 69 lives in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais. The tension between Lula and Zema is heightened by their political rivalry, with Zema being a potential presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, competing against Lula.

During the National Cities Conference in Brasília, Lula engaged in a discussion with the Minister of Cities, Jader Filho, expressing his concerns about the lack of action from Zema's administration regarding the significant PAC funding. Lula emphasized the importance of these resources being put to use effectively to address the needs of the citizens affected by the recent natural disaster. Jader highlighted that for the funds to be released, Zema's government must present an appropriate project plan and documentation, which further intensifies the pressure on Zema's administration to respond urgently to this crisis.

The implications of this political clash go beyond just fiscal management; they resonate deeply within the political landscape of Brazil, especially as Zema positions himself as a formidable contender against Lula in the forthcoming presidential race. This ongoing political feud not only impacts local governance and disaster response but also reflects the broader political dynamics as Brazil approaches a critical electoral period, with parties positioning themselves strategically for upcoming contests and public support. The cooperation—or lack thereof—between federal and state governments during times of crisis will be under close scrutiny from the public and could influence voters' perceptions ahead of elections.