Eduardo Paes

Eduardo Paes, born on November fourteenth, nineteen sixty-nine, is a prominent Brazilian politician known for his impactful tenure as the mayor of Rio de Janeiro. He first held the office from two thousand nine to two thousand seventeen and was re-elected for a third term in two thousand twenty, defeating the incumbent Marcelo Crivella in a run-off election. His leadership has been marked by significant events, including the preparation and execution of the two thousand sixteen Summer Olympics, where he faced the challenge of balancing the demands of the international event with the needs of the local population, the Cariocas.

Paes gained national attention as a vocal critic of the Lula administration, particularly during the Mensalão scandal in two thousand five, which involved allegations of bribery to secure congressional votes. His own administration was not without controversy, as various scandals emerged during his time in office, reflecting the complex political landscape of Brazil.

In addition to his mayoral duties, Paes made headlines during the two thousand twelve Summer Olympics closing ceremony, where he received the Olympic Flag from London Mayor Boris Johnson, symbolizing the transition of the Games to Rio de Janeiro. After an unsuccessful bid for the governorship of Rio de Janeiro state in two thousand eighteen, he returned to the mayoral office in two thousand twenty.

Initially elected as a member of the Democrats, Paes transitioned to the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in two thousand twenty-one, encouraging other politicians associated with him to join the party. His political journey continues as he prepares to run for governor of Rio de Janeiro State, having resigned from his mayoral position on March twentieth, two thousand twenty-six.