Administrative leadership in the state of Minas Gerais transformed significantly when Romeu Zema, a business executive and scion of an industrial conglomerate, entered the political sphere. Navigating the complexities of the NOVO party, he transitioned from decades of corporate management in his family company to the highest executive office in one of Brazil’s most populous states.
Corporate Foundations
Born in 1964 in Araxá, Zema attended the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, where he earned a degree in business administration. His professional background spans a diverse range of roles within the Zema Group, an industrial firm established by his great-grandfather, Domenico Zema. Over a career spanning twenty-six years, he served in various capacities including cashier, marketing analyst, and manager before assuming the role of chief executive officer from 1990 until 2016.
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Zema entered the 2018 Minas Gerais gubernatorial race as a candidate for the NOVO party. Initially polling at three percent, he benefited from the shifting political climate and an explicit alignment with Jair Bolsonaro. He secured 42.73 percent of the valid votes in the first round, subsequently defeating Antônio Anastasia in the second round with 72.80 percent of the vote. He was inaugurated on 19 December 2018, later winning re-election in 2022 against Alexandre Kalil with 56.18 percent in the first round.
Legislative Reforms and Fiscal Challenges
Upon taking office, Zema pursued a platform focused on fiscal austerity. He successfully pushed for a restructuring of the state government, reducing the number of secretariats from twenty-one to twelve. This initiative aimed to eliminate 3,600 commissioned positions. His administration faced significant friction regarding public sector salary adjustments, particularly when he vetoed broader wage increases proposed for state employees beyond the security sector, citing the need to manage the state's public deficit.
Governance and Opposition
Zema is recognized for his economically liberal and pragmatically conservative stance. His tenure has been marked by vocal opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, frequently accusing the federal government of hindering the development of Minas Gerais. These disagreements have led to public disputes and a heightened state of political polarization, positioning Zema as a prominent figure in regional and national discourse.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Araxá, Brazil
- Education: Fundação Getúlio Vargas
- Political Party: NOVO
- Chief Executive Officer: Zema Group (1990-2016)
- Governor of Minas Gerais: 2019-2026
- First Election: 2018 gubernatorial race
Questions readers ask
What was Romeu Zema's primary career before politics?
He was an administrator and chief executive officer of the Zema Group, an industrial conglomerate, where he worked from 1990 to 2016.
Which party did Zema represent during his gubernatorial election?
He represented the NOVO party, switching to the affiliation specifically to run in the 2018 gubernatorial election.
Achievements
- Educated at Fundação Getúlio Vargas
