Janaina Riva to Lead Mato Grosso’s MDB as Party President from August

In a significant political development, State Deputy and pre-candidate for the Senate, Janaina Riva (MDB), is set to assume the presidency of the party’s directory in Mato Grosso. She will replace former Federal Deputy Carlos Bezerra (MDB) starting in August, as announced by the President of the Mato Grosso Association of Municipalities (AMM), Léo Bortolin.

Earlier this year, Bezerra announced his retirement. There was an informal agreement that Federal Deputy Juarez Costa (MDB), the current vice-president, would succeed Bezerra. However, Janaina Riva entered the race for the position, causing a split within the party’s executive committee. Feeling slighted, Costa announced his departure from the party and began negotiations with the Republicanos, the party of Vice-Governor Otaviano Pivetta, which is discussing a federation with the MDB. Costa also received an invitation from the President of the Legislative Assembly, Max Russi, who is currently leading the PSB in Mato Grosso but plans to leave the party to lead Podemos.

According to Léo Bortolin, regardless of who stays or leaves the MDB, Janaina Riva will be the new president starting in August. The expectation is that this change in leadership will bring a fresh perspective to the party, allowing for the emergence of new leaders and candidates.

"In the coming days, Deputy Janaina will assume the leadership of the party. I believe that the party’s major project is to secure a Senate seat for Janaina, and I believe the MDB will undergo a rejuvenation, including the inclusion of new names being discussed for the state and federal slates. We are confident that in the near future, we can present a carefully curated team, particularly constructed by her," Bortolin stated to the press on Monday (9).

Janaina Riva’s political group is in opposition to Governor Mauro Mendes (UB), who is also speculated to run for the Senate and could be one of Riva’s possible opponents in the elections. Bortolin, who is part of Mendes’ support base, downplayed the situation. According to him, supporting Janaina does not mean being against Mendes’ potential candidacy or his administration in Mato Grosso.

"Léo supporting Janaina does not mean Léo is not supporting Mauro," Bortolin remarked. "Of course, we will wait for her to assume the party presidency to be able to sit at any negotiating table for further discussions in this regard," he concluded.