Haddad Warns of Militia Risk in São Paulo's Interior Due to Public Security Decline
Fernando Haddad, former Finance Minister and PT candidate for São Paulo governor, has warned that the state risks developing "militias" in its interior regions. He attributes this potential threat to a perceived reduction in public sector presence in security matters. Haddad stated that private security companies are effectively selling services because the state is not fulfilling its security role, creating a significant risk of militia operations similar to those seen in Rio de Janeiro. He based this assessment on what he described as declining state investments and São Paulo's fiscal difficulties, noting the state's low cash reserves even after the Sabesp sale and impacts from former US President Donald Trump's "tarifaço" (tariff hikes). Haddad also highlighted increased cargo transportation costs due to insecurity, reinforcing his call for expanded state action in public safety. The Secretary of Public Security (SSP) rebutted Haddad's claims, asserting that São Paulo's security forces operate technically and integrally, employing intelligence, technology, strategy, and continuous investment to combat organized crime. The SSP reported a 34% decrease in cargo theft in the first five months of 2026 compared to the previous year, with a 46% reduction in the interior, reaching the lowest historical level for the period. Haddad further criticized the previous management of the Public Security Secretariat, citing a disregard for police structures and the appointment of unqualified individuals to command positions. He expressed support for the federal government's Public Security PEC and pledged to foster integration between state and federal forces, including data sharing, if elected. He also aims to increase the involvement of the security sector in government decision-making. Recent Datafolha polling shows current Governor Tarcísio de Freitas leading Haddad in the gubernatorial race, with Freitas at 46% and Haddad at 30% in the first round.
The assertion by Fernando Haddad regarding the potential rise of militias in São Paulo's interior, linked to reduced state security presence, raises critical questions about public governance and service provision. This perspective frames security as a market failure, where state withdrawal creates an opening for informal, potentially illicit, private security actors. The counter-argument from the São Paulo Secretary of Public Security, emphasizing data-driven reductions in crime and technological investment, presents a contrasting view of effective state action. The differing narratives highlight a fundamental debate over the optimal balance between state-led security and private sector involvement, and the metrics used to define success. Looking ahead, the increasing complexity of organized crime and the evolving role of technology in both enforcement and illicit activities will continue to challenge traditional security models. Voters will likely weigh these competing claims on effectiveness and approach when considering future leadership in public safety.
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