Haddad Supports Durigan as Successor for Brazil’s Finance Ministry

Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad is positioning his executive secretary, Dario Durigan, to take over the finance ministry when he steps down later this month, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Haddad, a key figure in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s economic policy, plans to leave his post before the end of January. He intends to focus on political activities, including supporting Lula’s re-election campaign and considering future roles in the Senate or as governor of São Paulo.

Sources told Reuters that Haddad’s preferred successor is Durigan, his executive secretary, who has been involved in coordinating the ministry’s operations and managing major economic initiatives. Durigan has also built strong relationships with Lula, which positions him as a continuity candidate.

• Fernando Haddad backs Dario Durigan as successor
• Haddad set to step down; Durigan eyed to continue Brazil’s economic policies
• Dario Durigan likely to take over Brazil’s Finance Ministry amid fiscal reforms

If Durigan becomes the next finance minister, Haddad is considering nominating Rogerio Ceron, the current Treasury Secretary, to fill Durigan’s role. However, all appointments require approval from President Lula, and no official decisions have been made.

Haddad’s departure may be delayed if he accompanies Lula on a trip to India in February, but there are no confirmed plans for his participation. Discussions between Haddad and Lula are focused on the finance ministry succession and Haddad’s potential role in the upcoming elections.

In public comments, Haddad has declined to confirm Durigan as his successor but praised the ministry’s team and expressed strong support for Durigan’s qualifications. Analysts believe a Durigan appointment would be welcomed by markets looking for continuity in Brazil’s economic policies, especially during ongoing fiscal and tax reforms.

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Haddad’s anticipated exit is part of broader personnel changes in Lula’s government, which is preparing for a critical election year, balancing political strategy with governance.