Brazil's MME fires second in command

Brazil's government fired Efrain Pereira da Cruz, the mines and energy ministry's (MME) second in command.

Cruz was appointed in March 2023, after a long period of discussions over who would be the minister's right-hand person. But his appointment was not so well received in the sector, as he was involved in controversial moves during his tenure as director of electricity regulation agency Aneel, which continued in his new role.

He will be replaced by Arthur Cerqueira Valerio, who was serving as a legal advisor in the ministry after 14 years in advisory roles in other government agencies.

By Rebecca Gompertz