Mercadante plans to continue at BNDES and reinforces Prates' stay at Petrobras

247 - The president of the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante, revealed to close sources that he intends to remain at the helm of the bank and will defend the continuation of the current Petrobras manager, Jean Paul Prates, in office. According to a report by Agência Broadcast, "Mercadante would not be interested in the change, in addition to supporting the continuation of Prates in office."

The supposed change in the presidency of Petrobras is considered at a time when there is a conflict between the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, and the current president, Jean Paul Prates. Silveira has even publicly acknowledged the existence of the conflict, which, according to him, is motivated by the "different roles" both play. The minister, however, emphasized that the differences are healthy and not personal.

Although Mercadante is comfortable in his position at BNDES, he would be open to considering the offer of the presidency of Petrobras if it is presented as a mission of great importance to the country. At BNDES, Mercadante has led the economic debate on topics such as the country's reindustrialization, decarbonization, and ecological transition.