Mayor of Anajatuba is removed on suspicion of embezzlement: a déjà vu in local politics?

From the complaint to the mirror: Anajatuba under the vicious cycle of corruption

The mayor of Anajatuba (MA), Sydnei Pereira (PCdoB), was removed from office by order of the Court, under suspicion of involvement in several schemes to embezzle public money. The decision, published by g1, comes amid federal investigations that investigate irregularities in city hall contracts and tenders, raising questions about administrative continuity and political morality in the city.

According to the decision of judge Bruno Chaves de Oliveira, there is "evidence of simulation, favoritism and even a lack of legal formality" in contracts signed by the city hall. A report by the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU) pointed out overpricing of items, fictitious price research, lack of invoices and other serious irregularities, such as the use of uncontracted gas stations and payment for undelivered construction materials.

Sydnei Pereira's removal occurs at a crucial moment, in the last days of her mandate, generating fear that important documents related to the investigations could be destroyed. This concern was a determining factor in the judicial decision, aiming to preserve the evidence and guarantee the transparency of the process.

"serious and concrete risk" that Sydnei Pereira and her management could still, in these last days of her mandate, destroy what remained in the municipality's public archives."

The situation in Anajatuba takes on even more complex contours when remembering the city's political past. In 2015, Sydnei Pereira, then deputy mayor, denounced the then mayor Helder Aragão for corruption, which led to his removal and Sydnei's rise to the position. However, ironically, Sydnei began to face similar accusations, including from councilors from his own party. In 2017, R$321,000 were paid to the knitting company 'Maria dos Milagres', in sporting goods and toys. In 2020, Helder Aragão won the elections and will return to the mayor's office in 2021.

The g1 report highlights that, in 2018, the Public Ministry of Maranhão had already requested the mayor's removal, given a "very large number of reports of irregularities being investigated". of schools due to lack of resources and millionaire expenditures on suspicious tenders. In 2018, the city council closed 21 schools under the justification of lack of resources.

According to IBGE data, Anajatuba had, in 2021, an HDI (Human Development Index) of 0.571, considered low. The persistence of allegations of corruption, involving different administrations, suggests a systemic problem in the local public administration.

With the removal of Sydnei Pereira, the Court must determine who will temporarily take over the mayor's office until the new elected mayor takes office. Investigations will continue to investigate allegations of embezzlement of public funds, and those responsible may be held legally responsible. corruption and ensure the appropriate use of resources for the benefit of the population.

The population of Anajatuba, who faces difficulties in areas such as education and infrastructure, is placing hope in the new management so that public resources are used in a transparent and efficient way. It remains to be seen whether the vicious cycle of corruption will be interrupted and whether the city will be able to embark on a path of development and prosperity.