André do Prado Defends Privatized Sabesp, Criticizes Political Opponents
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André do Prado Defends Privatized Sabesp, Criticizes Political Opponents
- André do Prado, president of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp) and a candidate for the Senate, has publicly defended the privatization of Sabesp, São Paulo's state-owned water utility.
- Prado, a member of the Liberal Party (PL), also criticized fellow Senate candidates Marina Silva (Rede), Simone Tebet (PSB), and Ricardo Salles (Novo) in an interview on August 7, 2026.
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André do Prado, a 57-year-old state deputy from the Liberal Party (PL) and current president of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp), is campaigning for a Senate seat in São Paulo. He has publicly supported the privatization of Sabesp, Brazil’s largest water utility, which was finalized in July 2024. The São Paulo state government reduced its stake in Sabesp from 50.3% to 18.3% during the privatization process. Proponents of the privatization, including Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, argue it will boost the company’s investment capacity and help achieve universal water and sewage coverage by 2029, ahead of the national 2033 target. However, the privatization has faced controversy and criticism, with some experts suggesting it may disproportionately affect low-income areas and prioritize corporate revenue.
In an interview on August 7, 2026, Prado also voiced criticisms against other candidates for the São Paulo Senate. He referred to Ricardo Salles (Novo), a federal deputy and former minister, as “ungrateful,” alleging Salles turned his back on allies who helped him get elected. This follows a decision by the Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo on August 7, 2026, to fine Salles R$10,000 for irregular early electoral propaganda and negative content against Prado. Prado also echoed Governor Tarcísio de Freitas’s criticisms of former ministers Marina Silva (Rede) and Simone Tebet (PSB), questioning their ties to São Paulo and their contributions to the state. Prado himself has been in politics for 32 years, serving as city councilor, vice-mayor, mayor of Guararema, and a state deputy for four consecutive terms before becoming Alesp’s president in March 2023. Recent polls in August 2026 show Prado with 11% to 19% of the vote intention, trailing Marina Silva and Simone Tebet.