Paulo Guedes, the former Minister of Economy during Jair Bolsonaro's government, has made headlines for his notable absence from the official portrait gallery of past Finance Ministers. This gallery, which showcases the portraits of former ministers, is located within the Ministry of Finance at the capital, Brasília. Guedes, who served from 2019 to 2022, oversaw what was termed a 'super ministry,' which combined several key economic portfolios including Finance, Planning, and Industry.
On December 20, 2024, current Minister Fernando Haddad held a year-end press conference with journalists at the gallery, yet did not address the glaring omission of Guedes from the display. This absence has raised questions and criticisms, particularly from those who feel it reflects poorly on the administration's acknowledgment of Guedes’ extensive role during his time as Minister. The last portrait displayed is of Eduardo Guardia, who held the position during the final stages of Michel Temer's presidency and passed away in 2022.
Despite Guedes’ pivotal role during his tenure, straddling multiple ministries and incorporating significant economic reforms, the reasons for his exclusion remain unclear. Critics, including former aides to Guedes, label this decision as disrespectful and even insulting. One unnamed former aide suggested the absence reflects 'gross inadequacy and indelicacy.' He elaborated, "For the breadth of his contributions, it would be fitting to recognize Guedes' image across various ministries he influenced."
This portrait gallery is not merely decorative; it is historically significant, serving as the backdrop for key economic meetings and decisions made throughout Brazil's political history. The room is accessible only to select officials, emphasizing the importance of the discussions held within its walls. The Ministry of Finance refrained from providing any comment on why Guedes’ portrait is missing.
Diving back to the recent past, Guedes held immense responsibility overseeing the economy during tumultuous times, pushing for several ambitious privatization and economic reform initiatives. Despite his efforts, many of these reforms faced significant setbacks, particularly amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the advent of President Lula's administration, which began in January 2023, the Ministry of Economy was dismantled once again, reverting to distinct departments of Finance and Planning, among others. This structural change has underscored the shifting dynamics within Brazilian economic policy.
Since leaving the Bolsonaro administration, Guedes has kept a low profile and mostly avoided the public eye. He has ventured only sparingly back to the spotlight, including participation in the premiere of the documentary "Caminho da Prosperidade," which chronicles his term as Minister. During this event, Guedes reiterated his firm stance on his policies. "We would do everything again, with more intensity," he stated, emphasizing the key reforms he sought to implement including the independence of the Central Bank and proposals to reform social security systems.
His return to the public arena, even if brief, reflects the lasting impact he had on Brazil's economic direction, particularly as discussions about his policies continue to play out under the current government. With Lula focusing on re-establishing the economic ministries, it remains to be seen how Guedes will fit—or rather, not fit—into Brazil's economic narrative going forward.
Further complicity emerges from contrasting how Guedes’ former boss, Bolsonaro, appears within the government. Bolsonaro's image is displayed prominently among past presidents of Brazil at the Palácio do Planalto, highlighting the continuing division within Brazilian politics and the legacy of leadership.
Discussions around Guedes’ absence from the Finance Minister's gallery have sparked not only intrigue but also significant commentary about how histories are written and rewritten with the shifting political winds. Given the continued political tension and division within Brazil, the treatment of high-profile figures like Guedes will likely remain contested territory.
While no official rationale has been offered by the Finance Ministry for Guedes’ omission, the conversation surrounding it encapsulates broader debates about respect, recognition, and the remembrance of contributions within the political sphere. A lack of visual representation seems to reflect larger narratives at play under the current administration, challenging the narrative of neoliberal economics versus progressive policies.
