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Interim Governor of Rio de Janeiro Orders Contract Audit and Suspends New Bidding Processes

2 sources · 15 Apr 2026 · Share coverage ·

Ricardo Couto, interim governor of Rio de Janeiro, published a decree ordering an audit of all state departments and suspending new bidding processes without budget coverage. The measures were announced on Tuesday (15), hours after the Legislative Assembly began procedures for electing a new president.

Rio de Janeiro faces a political crisis following the removal of former governor Cláudio Castro, with judge Ricardo Couto assuming the interim government by STF decision. The state has a projected deficit of R$ 19 billion for this year, which is one of the main concerns of the new administration.

1. What we know (6)

Ricardo Couto ordered an audit of state departments, agencies and foundations

2 sources UOL O Globo

Decree was published in an extra edition of the Official Gazette on Tuesday

2 sources UOL O Globo

Audit will cover contracts valued at more than R$ 1 million

2 sources UOL O Globo

Agencies have 15 business days to send reports to Civil House and General Comptroller

2 sources UOL O Globo

Couto appointed Flávio Willeman as new head of Civil House

2 sources UOL O Globo

Former governor Cláudio Castro's decree on environmental protection areas was revoked

2 sources UOL O Globo
2. Where coverage thins out (1)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (1)

Projected deficit for this year is R$ 19 billion

Reported by: UOL
Did not cover: O Globo
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2
[1]
O Globo April 14, 2026
Governador em exercício do Rio impõe auditoria geral, trava contratos e restringe gastos em toda a máquina pública
[2]
UOL April 15, 2026
Governador interino do RJ determina auditoria e trava novos contratos