{{short description|Brazilian politician}} {{Portuguese name|Neves|Cunha}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Aécio Neves | image = Aécio Neves 2014-02-20.jpg | caption = Neves in 2014 | office = Member of the Chamber of Deputies | term_start = 1 February 2019 | term_end = | constituency = Minas Gerais | term_start2 = 1 February 1987 | term_end2 = 17 December 2002 | constituency2 = Minas Gerais | office5 = Senator for Minas Gerais | term_start5 = 1 February 2011 | term_end5 = 1 February 2019 | predecessor5 = Eduardo Azeredo | successor5 = Rodrigo Pacheco | office6 = Governor of Minas Gerais | term_start6 = 1 January 2003 | term_end6 = 31 March 2010 | predecessor6 = Itamar Franco | vice_governor6 = Clésio Andrade <small>(2003–07)</small><br />Antônio Anastasia <small>(2007–10)</small> | successor6 = Antônio Anastasia | office7 = President of the Chamber of Deputies | term_start7 = 14 February 2001 | term_end7 = 17 December 2002 | predecessor7 = Michel Temer | successor7 = João Paulo Cunha {{Collapsed infobox section begin |last=yes |Party offices<br> |titlestyle=border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder |embed=yes | office3 = National President of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party | term_start3 = 27 November 2025 | predecessor3 = Marconi Perillo | term_start4 = 18 May 2013 | term_end4 = 18 May 2017 | predecessor4 = Sérgio Guerra | successor4 = Tasso Jereissati {{small|(Acting)}} {{collapsed infobox section end}} }} | birth_name = Aécio Neves da Cunha | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1960|3|10|df=y}} | birth_place = Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil | death_date = | death_place = | party = PSDB (1988–present) | other_party = PMDB (1980–1988) | spouse = {{Plainlist| * {{Marriage|Andréa Falcão|1991|1998|end=div}} * {{Marriage|Letícia Weber|4 October 2013}} }} | children = 3 | relatives = Tancredo Neves (grandfather) | alma_mater = Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (B.Ec.) }}

'''Aécio Neves da Cunha'''{{efn|He should be called/styled ''Mr. Neves da Cunha'', however, due to the fame of his maternal grandfather, he is best known only as ''Mr. Neves''.|group="nb"|name=Name}} ({{IPA|pt-BR|aˈɛsiw ˈnɛviz da ˈkũɲɐ|lang}}; born 10 March 1960) is a Brazilian economist, politician and president of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB).<ref>[http://www.psdb.org.br/psdb/quem-e-quem/ Quem é Quem] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806083533/http://www.psdb.org.br/psdb/quem-e-quem/ |date=6 August 2013 }}, PSDB Website, retrieved 7. October 2014</ref> He was the 17th Governor of Minas Gerais from 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2010, and is currently a member of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. He lost in the runoff presidential election against Dilma Rousseff in 2014.<ref name="BBC Online">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-29782073|title=Dilma Rousseff re-elected Brazilian president|date=26 October 2014|work=BBC News|access-date=26 October 2014}}</ref>

== Biography == Born in Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Neves was the youngest governor in the state's history. He began his political career as a personal secretary of his grandfather, Tancredo Neves, who was elected President of Brazil in 1985, but died before taking office. Aécio Neves served the World Federation of Democratic Youth in 1985<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aeciobrasil.com/encontro-mundial-da-juventude-democratica/ |title=Encontro Mundial da Juventude Democrática |access-date=1 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422182912/http://www.aeciobrasil.com/encontro-mundial-da-juventude-democratica/ |archive-date=22 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and four terms as an elected deputy for the Brazilian Social Democracy Party in the Federal Chamber of Deputies from 1 February 1987 to 14 December 2002, representing Minas Gerais. He was also President of the Chamber of Deputies in 2001/02.

As governor, Aécio Neves introduced the "Management Shock", a set of sweeping reforms designed to bring the state budget under control by reducing government expenditure and promoting investment. Having been tipped as a potential candidate for the Brazilian Presidential elections in 2010, Neves announced his intention to stand aside from the race at the end of 2009.<ref>{{ cite news |title=Aécio Neves - A Political Heir Apparent |url=http://latintrade.com/2009/06/aecio-neves-a-political-heir-apparent/ |work=Latin Trade |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=19 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621225800/http://latintrade.com/2009/06/aecio-neves-a-political-heir-apparent/ |archive-date=21 June 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He ran for the Brazilian Federal Senate instead, and was elected a Senator representing the State of Minas Gerais. He took office as a Senator of the Republic on 1 February 2011.

Aécio was a columnist at Brazilian newspaper ''Folha de S.Paulo'' until June 2014.<ref name="Colunas">{{cite news|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/colunas/aecioneves/|title=Aécio Neves| work=Folha de S.Paulo|access-date=28 August 2014}}</ref> On 5 October 2014, he received the second largest number of votes (at 34%) in the Brazilian presidential election, placing him in the runoff election to be held on 26 October 2014, against the first place candidate and former Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff, who received 42% of the votes.

===Early years=== [[File:Tancredo Neves e Aécio Neves.jpg|thumb|right|Tancredo Neves and Aécio Neves (behind right) in 1984, during the presidential elections.]] thumb|Aécio at the Senate on 25 June 2013 thumb|Aécio is giving a speech at the Senate in April 2013. thumb|Aecio's electoral committee in his first federal deputy election in 1986. Aécio Neves is son of politician Aécio Ferreira da Cunha and Inês Maria. Neves hails from a family of traditional politicians in Minas Gerais. His maternal grandfather, Tancredo Neves, was a key figure in the re-democratization of Brazil, served as governor of Minas Gerais and elected via electoral college.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/ult96u701853.shtml|first=Phillip|last=Dântom|date=4 March 2010|title=Tancredo Neves foi a fiador transição para democracia, diz sociólogo|work=Folha de S.Paulo}}</ref> Neves’ paternal grandfather, Tristão Ferreira da Cunha, and his father Aécio Cunha were congressmen representing the state of Minas Gerais.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.camara.leg.br/a-camara/conheca/historia/Ex_presidentesCD_Republica/aecio.html|title=A História da Câmara dos Deputados|publisher=Câmara dos Deputados}}</ref> His paternal grandfather, Tristão Ferreira da Cunha, a native of Teófilo Otoni, a northern city in Minas Gerais, was also a politician as well as a lawyer and a professor. He was Secretary of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce in the state government of Juscelino Kubitschek (1951–1955). Aécio Cunha, son of Tristão and father of Aécio, was state deputy between 1955 and 1963 and federal representative between 1963 and 1987.

Neves moved to Rio de Janeiro with his parents when his was 10 years old. He had his first job at the Administrative Council for Economic Defense of the Ministry of Justice in Rio de Janeiro. In 1981 his maternal grandfather convinced Neves to return to Belo Horizonte. He moved into an apartment that he shared with his maternal grandfather and father and transferred to Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, where he studied economics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.terra.com.br/eleicoes2006/interna/0,,OI1168900-EI6670,00.html|title=MG: veja a trajetória política de Aécio Neves|work=Terra|date=1 October 2006|access-date=1 October 2006}}</ref>

In 1982 Aécio began working in his grandfather's campaign for the state government, attending meetings and rallies in more than 300 towns. Tancredo Neves was elected governor of Minas Gerais, and in 1983, Aécio served as his private secretary. In the following years, Aécio participated in the movement "Diretas Já" and in Tancredo Neves’ presidential campaign. Tancredo Neves won the Brazilian presidency via electoral college in 1985. After the elections Aécio Neves accompanied the president-elect on visits to democratic countries, a political strategy used to enhance the retransition to democracy in Brazil. They visited the United States and US President Ronald Reagan, France with President François Mitterrand, Italy and Sandro Pertini, Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Pope John Paul II. Aécio Neves was appointed Secretary of Special Affairs of the Presidency by President-elect Tancredo Neves, but due to his early death, and José Sarney assuming office the job was cancelled.

=== Congressman ===

In 1986 he ran for the National Constituent Assembly as a member of Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB). He received 236,019 votes, which at the time was the largest vote for a congressman elected from Minas Gerais.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://politicatransparencia.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/a-historia-politica-de-aecio-neves/ |title=A história política de Aécio Neves |publisher=Transparência politica |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> In the Constituent Assembly he became vice the chairman of the Sovereignty and Rights and Guarantees of Men and Women and was also one of the authors of the amendment that turned Brazil's voting age to 16 years.<ref name="Câmara dos Deputados">{{cite web |url=https://www2.camara.leg.br/a-camara/conheca/historia/Ex_presidentesCD_Republica/aecio.html |title=Aécio Neves |publisher=Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www12.senado.gov.br/jornal/edicoes/2013/10/29/senadores-que-foram-constituintes|title=Senadores que foram constituintes|publisher=Senado Federal|access-date=29 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002608/http://www12.senado.gov.br/jornal/edicoes/2013/10/29/senadores-que-foram-constituintes|archive-date=24 February 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In his second term (1991–1995) he voted for the impeachment of President Fernando Collor de Mello.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pps.jusbrasil.com.br/politica/103548527/em-o-globo-a-forca-da-democracia-20-anos-do-impeachment-ao-mensalao |title=Em O Globo, a força da democracia: 20 anos, do impeachment ao mensalão |work=Jus Brasil |access-date=29 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104010436/http://pps.jusbrasil.com.br/politica/103548527/em-o-globo-a-forca-da-democracia-20-anos-do-impeachment-ao-mensalao |archive-date=4 November 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 1992 Aécio ran for mayor of Belo Horizonte, but was defeated. It was his only electoral defeat<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.correiodeuberlandia.com.br/pontodevista/2013/03/06/um-discurso-para-aecio/ |title=Um Discurso Para Aécio |work=Correio de Uberlândia |access-date=29 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421215941/http://www.correiodeuberlandia.com.br/pontodevista/2013/03/06/um-discurso-para-aecio/ |archive-date=21 April 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> until his unsuccessful bid for the Presidency in 2014.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} Neves was reelected to Congress for a third term in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/eleicoes-anteriores/eleicoes-1994/resultados-das-eleicoes-1994/minas-gerais/resultados-das-eleicoes-1994-minas-gerais-deputado-federal |title=Resultados das Eleições 1994 - Minas Gerais - deputado federal |publisher=Tribunal Superior Eleitoral |access-date=29 April 2014 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129115404/http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/eleicoes-anteriores/eleicoes-1994/resultados-das-eleicoes-1994/minas-gerais/resultados-das-eleicoes-1994-minas-gerais-deputado-federal |url-status=dead }}</ref> The term lasted from 1995 to 1998, during which he was elected president of PSDB Minas Gerais. In 1997, he became PSDB's leader in Congress.<ref name="Biografia no site do Governo de Minas Gerais">{{cite web |url=http://www.mg.gov.br/governomg/portal/c/governomg/5432-aecio-neves/0/5315 |title=Aécio Neves |publisher=Governo de Minas Gerais |access-date=29 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011123255/http://www.mg.gov.br/governomg/portal/c/governomg/5432-aecio-neves/0/5315 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

=== President of the Chamber of Deputies ===

In 2001 Neves was elected president of the Chamber of Deputies. He had run against Aloízio Mercadante (PT-SP), Inocêncio Oliveira (PFL-PE), Valdemar Costa Neto (PL-SP) and Nelson Marquezelli (PTB-SP)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/eleicoes_no_congresso-candidatos_camara.shtml |title=Câmara dos deputados |work=Folha de S.Paulo |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> and received more votes than all his competitors combined.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/eleicoes_no_congresso-apuracao-ao_vivo.html |title=Na Câmara |work=Folha de S.Paulo |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> He serves as president of Congress from 14 February 2001 until 17 December 2002. As president of Congress he assumed, temporarily, the presidency of Brazil starting on 26 June 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.istoe.com.br/reportagens/3_OS+BRASILEIROS+DO+ANO+AECIO+NEVES |title=Os Brasileiros do Ano - Aécio Neves |work=ISTOÉ |first=Eduardo|last=Hollanda |date=2 January 2002 |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref>

Under his leadership he promoted the so-called Ethical Package, a set of measures aimed at moralizing parliamentary action. Neves led the vote of the end of congressional immunity for common crimes, the establishment of a code of ethics and propriety and the Ethics Committee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.camara.leg.br/a-camara/ouvidoria |title=Ouvidoria Parlamentar|publisher=Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> He also provided the processing and votes of bills on the Internet so that the public could monitor the processing of the legislative process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.camara.leg.br/atividade-legislativa/comissoes/comissoes-permanentes/clp/documentos/legislacao/resolucao21.pdf |title=Resolução Nº 21, de 2001 |publisher=Câmara dos Deputados |date=30 May 2001 |access-date=29 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104205652/http://www2.camara.leg.br/atividade-legislativa/comissoes/comissoes-permanentes/clp/documentos/legislacao/resolucao21.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also cut congressional spending and sent saved money back to the federal government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.camara.leg.br/a-camara/ouvidoria |title=Ouvidoria|publisher=Câmara dos Deputados|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref>

===Senator=== Neves, along with former President Itamar Franco, was elected senator on 3 October 2010 with 7,565,377 votes. Neves is a member of the Senate committees on political reform, constitutional affairs, justice and citizenship. He participated in the Economic Affairs Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senado.gov.br/atividade/comissoes/consParl.asp?p_cod_senador=391 |title=Participação em Comissões |publisher=Senado Federal do Brasil|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> As a parliamentarian Neves has advocated the development of a new federal pact, the strengthening of parliamentary action with the restriction on the use of provisional measures, the reduction of taxes and the change in the calculation used for payment of mining royalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senado.gov.br/noticias/aecio-neves-comemora-aprovacao-pela-ccj-de-proposta-que-muda-tramitacao-de-mps.aspx |title=Agência Senado: Aécio Neves comemora aprovação, pela CCJ, de proposta que muda tramitação de MPs |publisher=Senado Federal do Brasil|date=11 May 2011 |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref>

On 18 May 2017, Neves was suspended from the position of Senator by Minister of the Supreme Court Edson Fachin, at the request of the Attorney General's office that also requested his arrest after the information that he requested R$2 million from the owners of meat processing company JBS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://politica.estadao.com.br/blogs/coluna-do-estadao/stf-determinou-afastamento-de-aecio-neves-e-rocha-loures-dos-mandatos/|title=STF determinou afastamento de Aécio Neves e Rocha Loures dos mandatos|work=Coluna do Estadão|access-date=18 May 2017|language=pt-br}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2017/05/18/stf-afasta-aecio-neves-do-mandato-de-senador-procuradoria-pediu-prisao-de-tucano.htm|title=Procuradoria pede prisão de Aécio e decisão irá a plenário do STF; senador é afastado|work=UOL Notícias Política|access-date=18 May 2017|language=pt-BR}}</ref> On 30 June 2017, Justice Marco Aurélio Mello authorized the return of Aécio to the Senate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oglobo.globo.com/brasil/marco-aurelio-determina-volta-de-aecio-neves-ao-senado-21538948|title=Marco Aurélio determina volta de Aécio Neves ao Senado|work=O Globo|first=André|last=de Souza|language=pt|date=30 June 2017|access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref> On 26 September 2017, Judges Luís Roberto Barroso, Rosa Weber, and Luiz Fux suspended the Senator again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2017/09/1922008-supremo-afasta-aecio-e-determina-recolhimento-noturno.shtml|title=Supremo afasta Aécio e determina recolhimento noturno|work=Folha de S.Paulo|first=Leticia|last=Casado|language=pt|date=26 September 2017|access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref> Vice-president of the Federal Senate, Senator Cássio Cunha Lima stated that he "believe[s] that the Senate will take down the decision of the Supreme Court", justifying that the decision of the Court turned the suspension of Aécio into a house arrest, which needs authorization of the Senate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://josiasdesouza.blogosfera.uol.com.br/2017/09/27/creio-que-o-senado-derrubara-decisao-do-stf/|title="Creio que o Senado derrubará decisão do STF"|work=UOL|first=Josias|last=de Souza|language=pt|date=26 September 2017|access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref>

On 17 October 2017, Federal Senate voted 44 to 26 for the return of Senator Neves to his seat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2017/10/17/senado-rejeita-afastamento-de-aecio.htm|title=Senado derruba decisão do STF e rejeita afastamento de Aécio|work=UOL|first1=Luciana|last1=Amaral|first2=Felipe|last2=Amorim|first3=Gustavo|last3=Maia|language=pt|date=17 October 2017|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>

On 17 April 2018, the Supreme Court accepted a judicial complaint to investigate Neves for corruption and obstruction of justice after he was recorded requesting R$2 million from JBS and after his family members got the money.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/acusacao-ve-farto-material-probatorio-contra-aecio-defesa-contesta-acusacao-de-corrupcao-e-obstrucao-de-justica.ghtml|title=Aécio Neves vira réu no Supremo por corrupção e obstrução de Justiça|work=G1|access-date=2018-04-17|language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-neves/brazil-senator-neves-to-stand-trial-for-corruption-court-rules-idUSKBN1HO3A5 Brazil Senator Neves to stand trial for corruption, court rules] published by Reuters (2018)</ref>

==Main achievements==

thumb|Neves upon becoming governor of Minas Gerais on 1 January 2003.

=== Governor ===

On 6 October 2002 Neves was elected governor of Minas Gerais.<ref name="E-biografias">{{cite web |url=http://www.e-biografias.net/aecio_neves/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415144429/http://www.e-biografias.net/aecio_neves/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=15 April 2012 |title=Aécio Neves |publisher=E-biografias |date=9 April 2012 |access-date=6 October 2013}}</ref> On 28 March 2006, Aécio announced his candidacy and soon after was reelected,<ref name="Candidatura à reeleição">{{cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/ult96u77089.shtml |title=Aécio anuncia candidatura à reeleição e mobilização contra hegemonia paulista |work=Folha de S.Paulo |first=Paulo|last=Peixoto |date=28 March 2006 |access-date=29 October 2013}}</ref> Neves became the second longest-serving governor in state history. The Government of Minas Gerais expropriated a piece of land owned by Neves's great-uncle, estimated at R$1 million. His great-uncle requested R$20 million for the indemnification. The State appealed the value in the Justice and the indemnification was annulled.<ref name="VejaBrasil">{{Cite news |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/brasil/aecio-admite-ter-usado-aeroporto-em-claudio |title= Aécio adminite ter usado aeroporto em Cláudio|work=Veja |date=30 July 2014|access-date=8 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Controv 3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pragmatismopolitico.com.br/2013/05/aecio-neves-sera-julgado-por-desvio-de-r43-bilhoes-da-saude-2.html |title= Aécio Neves será julgado por desvio de R$ 4,3 bilhões da saúde |work=Pragmatismo Político |date=31 May 2013 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Controv 4">{{Cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2014/07/1488587-governo-de-minas-fez-aeroporto-em-terreno-de-tio-de-aecio.shtml |title= Governo de Minas fez aeroporto em terreno de tio de Aécio |work=Folha de S.Paulo |first=Lucas|last=Ferraz |date=20 July 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref>

As governor he hired 98,000 public employees without any public selection and with allegedly illegal procedures.<ref name="Controv 9">{{Cite web |url=http://noticias.r7.com/minas-gerais/stf-determina-dispensa-de-98-mil-servidores-da-educacao-em-minas-efetivados-sem-concurso-26032014 |title= STF determina dispensa de 98 mil servidores da educação em Minas efetivados sem concurso |work=R7 Notícias |first=Enzo|last=Menezes |date=26 March 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref> During his administration, the salaries of school teachers in Minas Gerais reached the lowest level of the whole country.<ref name="Controv 9a">{{Cite web |url=https://www.viomundo.com.br/denuncias/professores-de-minas-publicam-contracheques-para-provar-que-estado-e-psdb.html |title= Professores de Minas publicam contracheques para provar que estado é PSDB (Pior Salário do Brasil) |work=Viomundo |first=Luiz Carlos |last=Azenha |date=2 August 2011 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref> The basic salary of medical doctors was R$1,050, the second lowest of the country.<ref name="Controv 10">{{Cite web |url=http://tijolaco.com.br/blog/?p=19821 |title=Aécio deixou Minas com salário básico de médico em R$ 1,050 Palavra do CFM |publisher=Tijolaço |first=Fernando |last=Brito |date=6 August 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101908/http://tijolaco.com.br/blog/?p=19821 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Neves attempted to censor Google, Yahoo!, and Bing search results related to rumors about drug abuse and misappropriation of public health funds.<ref name="Controv 1">{{Cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2014/03/1425228-justica-nega-pedido-de-aecio-para-bloquear-buscas-na-internet.shtml |title=Justiça nega pedido de Aécio Neves para bloquear buscas na Internet |work=Folha de S.Paulo |first= Daniela|last=Lima|date=14 March 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Controv 2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.midiaindependente.org/pt/red/2003/09/262572.shtml |title=Aécio Neves censura imprensa em Minas Gerais |publisher=Centro de Mídia Independente |date=4 September 2003 |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006115332/http://www.midiaindependente.org/pt/red/2003/09/262572.shtml |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Social development === thumb|right|Governor of Minas Gerais in 2007. Among the social programs implemented by Aécio are the Project to Combat Rural Poverty (PCRP), developed with total funding of US$70 million, divided into two payments of US$35 million, from the World Bank.<ref name="Relatório do Banco Mundial">{{cite web |url=http://www1.worldbank.org/operations/disclosure/SOPE/FY07/SOPE_FY07_FINAL.pdf |title=Status of projects in execution - FY07 SOPE |publisher=World Bank |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010082517/http://www1.worldbank.org/operations/disclosure/SOPE/FY07/SOPE_FY07_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The project covers 188 municipalities in Northern Minas Gerais and some districts.<ref name="Projeto de Combate à Pobreza Rural">{{cite web |url=https://www.worldbank.org/projects/P052256/rural-poverty-reduction-project-minas-gerais?lang=en |title=Rural Poverty Reduction Project - Minas Gerais |publisher=World Bank|access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> The communities are responsible for organizing and defining its priorities. The projects range from the construction of kindergartens to the establishment of handicraft associations or fish farms.<ref name="Projeto de Combate à Pobreza Rural"/>

Neves launched the Youth Savings Program in March 2007 with the goal to support 50,000 high school students from the state system who live in areas of high social risk by 2010. Every student received a sum of R$3,000 at the end of the third year of high school, which can be used in their professional career. To receive the money, the high school graduates must take a series of commitments on school performance, such as attendance, good grades, and personal behavior. They cannot, for example, engage in criminal activity and should perform community service.<ref name="Poupança Jovem">{{cite web |url=http://www.agenciaminas.mg.gov.br/noticias/aecio-lanca-programa-inedito-para-alunos-do-ensino-medio-2/ |title=Aécio lança programa inédito para alunos do ensino médio |work=Agência Minas |date=5 March 2007 |access-date=1 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203003402/http://www.agenciaminas.mg.gov.br/noticias/aecio-lanca-programa-inedito-para-alunos-do-ensino-medio-2/ |archive-date=3 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Over 30,000 students have participated in the program and have received English classes, computer skills and professional training.

=== Transportation ===

The Neves government created the Paving Program Links and Access Road program in 2004 with own resources and funding from the Interamerican Development Bank. The program included the paving of accesses to 225 municipalities that had previously been connected only by dirt roads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iadb.org/en/news/news-releases/2005-12-21/idb-approves-100-million-financing-to-improve-road-access-to-small-municipalities-in-state-of-minas-gerais-brazil,2687.html |title=IDB approves $100 million financing to improve road access to small municipalities in state of Minas Gerais, Brazil |publisher=Inter-American Development Bank |date=21 December 2005 |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="Proacesso 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.der.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=261 |title=PROACESSO – Programa de Pavimentação de Ligações e Acessos Rodoviários aos Municípios |publisher=Departamento de Estradas de Rodagem do Estado de Minas Gerais |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=1 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009161225/http://www.der.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=261 |archive-date=9 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

=== Administrative City Tancredo Neves === Administrative City Tancredo Neves, built to be the new headquarters of State Government, was inaugurated by Neves on 4 March 2010,<ref name="Cidade Administrativa Tancredo Neves">{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Politica/0,,MUL1516350-5601,00.html |title=Cidade Administrativa Presidente Tancredo Neves é inaugurada em BH |work=G1 |date=4 March 2010 |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> on what would have been Tancredo Neves’ 100th birthday.<ref name="Cidade Administrativa Tancredo Neves 2">{{cite web |url=http://contramao.una.br/?p=2282 |title=Inauguração da Cidade Administrativa também movimenta os arredores da Praça da Liberdade |work=Jornal Contramão |first=Eugênio |last=Sávio |date=4 March 2003 |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202214618/http://contramao.una.br/?p=2282 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The set of five buildings was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and is located on the grounds of the former Hipódromo Serra Verde on the border of the municipalities of Belo Horizonte, Vespasiano and Santa Luzia.<ref name="Cidade Administrativa Tancredo Neves 3">{{cite web |url=https://www.cafecomnoticias.com/2010/03/cidade-administrativa-do-governo-de.html#.Utr5-RBTvIU |title=Cidade Administrativa do governo de Minas é inaugurada oficialmente |work=Café com Notícias |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="Cidade Administrativa Tancredo Neves 4">{{cite web|url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/impresso,aecio-licita-sede-administrativa-de-r-1-bi-e-compra-briga-com-oposicao,85241,0.htm|title=Aécio licita sede administrativa de R$ 1 bi e compra briga com oposição|work=O Estado de S. Paulo|access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref>

=== Management Shock === One of the main points of Aécio's government is the so-called "Management Shock",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/nacional,governo-de-minas-anuncia-livro-sobre-choque-de-gestao,1110198,0.htm |title=Governo de Minas anuncia livro sobre choque de gestão |work=O Estado de S. Paulo |first=José Roberto|last=Castro |date=18 December 2013 |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> a set of measures to make the government spend less on itself and invest more in people. In the long term, Management Shock seeks to reduce corruption and to improve the quality and productivity of state government bodies. The program also provides investment in the training of civil servants of the state.<ref name="Choque de gestão">{{cite web |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/nacional,aecio-vai-usar-choque-de-gestao-como-bandeira,986875,0.htm |title=Aécio vai usar choque de gestão como bandeira |work=O Estado de S. Paulo |first=Marcelo|last=Portela |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="Choque de gestão 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.planejamento.mg.gov.br/estrategia-de-governo/choque-de-gestao |title=Choque de Gestão |publisher=Secretaria de Planejamento e Orçamento de Minas Gerais |access-date=18 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203003402/http://www.planejamento.mg.gov.br/estrategia-de-governo/choque-de-gestao |archive-date=3 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In 2003, Neves created "Stay Alive", a program to reduce homicides in the state.<ref name="Programa Fica Vivo">{{cite web |url=https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=117 |title=Programa de Controle de Homicídios Fica Vivo! |publisher=Secretaria de Estado de Defesa Social |access-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009161238/https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=117 |archive-date=9 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Per year, 13,000 high-risk students and young adults from areas with the highest homicides throughout the state participate in the program. In the areas the program covers, homicide rates have dropped more than 50%. The program focuses on workshops on sport, culture, productive inclusion and communication to divert young people from crime.<ref name="Programa Fica Vivo 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1288&Itemid=71 |title=Fica Vivo! é apontado pelo Banco Mundial como iniciativa de sucesso na redução de homicídios |publisher=Secretaria de Estado de Defesa Social |access-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014045712/https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1288&Itemid=71 |archive-date=14 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

On 21 January 2009, the state government inaugurated the "Reference Center for Pregnant Women in Jail", built in Vespasiano - MG.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://noticias.uol.com.br/cotidiano/2009/11/27/ult5772u6377.jhtm|title=Presídio mineiro dá exemplo ao permitir que detentas cumpram pena junto de seus filhos|work=UOL Notícias|access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=71|title=Centro de Referência à Gestante Privada de Liberdade amplia capacidade com inauguração de nova ala|publisher=Secretaria de Estado de Defesa Social|access-date=21 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011231247/https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=71|archive-date=11 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This is the first prison in the country to house pregnant inmates and their babies until they complete one year.<ref name="Centro de Referência à Gestante Privada de Liberdade">{{cite web |url=https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=71 |title=Centro de Referência à Gestante Privada de Liberdade amplia capacidade com inauguração de nova ala |publisher=Secretaria de Estado de Defesa Social |access-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011231247/https://www.seds.mg.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=71 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Aécio launched the first prison in the country built and administered through a public-private partnership.

==Candidacy for Presidency in 2014== thumb|right|Neves and his daughter Gabriela in March 2010. In December 2012, former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso appointed Aécio Neves as candidate of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party for the 2014 presidential elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2012/12/fhc-e-lideres-tucanos-lancam-aecio-como-pre-candidato-presidencia.html|title=FHC e líderes tucanos lançam Aécio como pré-candidato à Presidência|work=G1|date=3 December 2012|access-date=2 May 2014}}</ref> In the October 2014 election, Neves received the second greatest number of votes in the first round, defeating former Environment Minister Marina Silva. He narrowly lost in the second round, a run-off against incumbent Dilma Rousseff on 26 October 2014, 48.4% to Rousseff's 51.6%.<ref name="BBC Online"/>

==Controversies== ===Operation Car Wash=== Neves was investigated in several corruption cases related to the "Car Wash" probe into kickbacks to politicians.<ref>[https://www.sltrib.com/home/5306397-155/brazil-crisis-deepens-with-probe-of Brazil crisis deepens with probe of president, top senator] by Peter Prengaman and Mauricio Savarese "The Associated Press" (2017)</ref> Aécio Neves was quoted by four whistleblowers during investigations into Operation Car Wash. Alberto Youssef said he heard the former deputy José Janene tell Aécio's sister that he would give him the collection of funds from Furnas, a mixed economy company linked to the Ministry of Mines and Energy.<ref>[http://www.ligiadeslandes.com.br/21/04/2015/por-que-moro-nao-mandou-prender-a-irma-de-aecio-ela-tem-foro-privilegiado/ Por que Moro não mandou prender a irmã de Aécio? Ela tem foro privilegiado?] (2016).{{in lang|pt}}</ref> The collection and distribution of bribes would have occurred between 1996 and 2000, during the government of Fernando Henrique Cardoso. On 25 August 2015, the CPI of Petrobras, Youssef reiterated that Aécio received money diverted from Furnas.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150828074746/http://br.reuters.com/article/topNews/idBRKCN0QU2IF20150825 Doleiro Youssef diz que Aécio recebeu dinheiro de corrupção de Furnas] by Reuters (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref> A Supreme Court Judge, by the end of 2015, closed the case for insufficient information.<ref name="zeroH">[http://zh.clicrbs.com.br/rs/noticias/noticia/2016/03/aecio-nevesfoi-citado-por-quatro-delatores-na-lava-jato-conheca-os-casos-4997205.html Aécio Neves foi citado por quatro delatores na Lava-Jato; conheça os casos] by "Zero Hora" (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref>

In July 2015, another witness, Carlos Alexandre de Souza Rocha, also known as Ceará, said he took {{BRL|300,000}} to a director of UTC in Rio de Janeiro and the money would go to the senator. The director said that Aecio was "the most annoying" of his bribe collectord.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-idUSKCN0QV00D20150826 Brazil judge says president's ex-chief of staff may have been bribed] by Caroline Stauffer, published by Reuters on 25 August 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.cartacapital.com.br/blogs/parlatorio/aecio-neves-teria-recebido-r-300-mil-em-propina-da-utc-diz-delator Aécio Neves teria recebido R$ 300 mil em propina da UTC, diz delator] by "CartaCapital" (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref> In February 2016, the same Supreme Court Judge closed the case, again for insufficient information. However, due to lack of evidence, the prosecution decided not to proceed with the accusations.<ref>[https://g1.globo.com/politica/operacao-lava-jato/noticia/2016/02/stf-arquiva-apuracao-sobre-senador-aecio-neves-na-operacao-lava-jato.html/ STF arquiva apuração sobre senador Aécio Neves na Operação Lava Jato] (2016) {{in lang|pt}}</ref>

On 3 February 2016, Fernando Moura, in a statement, said he heard reports of an alleged kickback from Furnas to Aécio Neves. Per Moura, who made a whistle-blowing agreement with the police, Dimas Toledo's appointment to the position of director of Furnas was made by Aécio in 2002. Moura was appointed by the "Speedy Wash" as a lobbyist.<ref>[https://www.valor.com.br/politica/4423332/lava-jato-aecio-dividiria-propina-com-pt-em-furnas-afirma-delator Lava-Jato: Aécio dividiria propina com PT em Furnas, afirma delator] Por André Guilherme Vieira | Valor (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36188311 |title=Brazil to probe opposition leader Aecio Neves for corruption|date=3 May 2016|work=BBC News}}</ref> Dimas Toledo told him that "in Furnas was the same": "It'll be a third [of the bribery] to the government of São Paulo, one third of the national government and a third Aécio".<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160209050506/http://vetorm.com/?p=751 FURNAS – OPERADOR DE PROPINAS DO PRESIDENTE DO PT COMPLICA DlLMA, AECIO NEVES E FILHO DE LULA]}} Vetor (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref>

In March 2016, under a whistle-blowing agreement, Senator Delcídio Amaral made reference to supposed illegal activities of Aécio in the investigation conducted by the Legislature Branch (CPI) of Congress. Delcídio has information on deals made between him and Aécio during investigation of the Brazilian post office in 2006.<ref>[https://www.pragmatismopolitico.com.br/2016/03/delcidio-do-amaral-cita-aecio-neves-em-suposta-delacao-premiada.html Delcídio do Amaral cita Aécio Neves em suposta delação premiada] by "Pragmatismo" (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref> In June 2016, the Supreme Federal Court authorised investigations related to alleged kickbacks from Furnas to proceed against Aécio Neves.<ref>[https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/stf-autoriza-continuidade-de-investigacao-contra-aecio-por-esquema-em-furnas/ STF autoriza continuidade de investigação contra Aécio por esquema em Furnas] by "Veja" (2016){{in lang|pt}}</ref>

===JBS case=== In 2017 Aécio appeared again in other whistle-blowing agreements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://politica.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,lula-aecio-e-temer-sao-os-mais-criticados-nas-redes-sociais-apos-lista-de-fachin,70001737778|title=Lula, Aécio e Temer são os mais criticados nas redes sociais após lista de Fachin|trans-title=Lula, Aécio and Temer are the most cited in social networks after the list of Fachin [whistle-blowing agreement]|language=pt|work=O Estado de S. Paulo|date=13 April 2017|first=Bruno|last=Capelas}}</ref> Executives said JBS had paid Neves 80 million reais in illegal funding for that campaign as well as 2 million more recently to support a new "abuse of authority" law that seeks to make it easier for suspects and defendants to sue investigators, prosecutors and judges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/national/brazil-plea-bargain-testimony-president-4-6-million-bribes-article-1.3178044|title=Brazil plea-bargain testimony says president took $4.6 million in bribes|work=New York Daily News|agency=Reuters|date=2017}}</ref> Neves was recorded soliciting the 2 million reais ($638,000) from Joesley Batista, chairman of meatpacking company JBS SA.<ref>[https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/brazilian-senator-aecio-neves-received-r2-million-from-jbs/ Brazilian Senator Aecio Neves Received R$2 Million From JBS Supreme Court calls for the suspension of Senator Neves from Congress.] by Lise Alves (2017)</ref> Batista told the authorities that Neves implied that the money would be used to pay for his defence in the Lava Jato (Carwash) investigations but the money never went to his lawyers. Instead, part of the money, received by the senator's cousin,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/18/brazil-explosive-recordings-implicate-president-michel-temer-in-bribery|title=Brazil: explosive recordings implicate President Michel Temer in bribery|date=18 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref> ended up in a company owned by Zezé Perrella a cousin of Aécio<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arquivo |date=2017-05-18 |title=Polícia Federal prende primo de Aécio Neves e assessor de Zezé Perrella |url=https://midiamax.uol.com.br/politica/2017/policia-federal-prende-primo-de-aecio-neves-e-assessor-de-zeze-perrella/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Jornal Midiamax {{!}} Notícias de Campo Grande e Mato Grosso do Sul |language=pt-BR}}</ref> who was also implicated in the biggest drug traffic scandal in Brazilian History.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11163376|title=Cocaine seized from Brazil senator's sons' chopper|date=27 November 2013|work=New Zealand Herald|access-date=1 June 2017|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777}}</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-neves-idUSKCN18E1H3?il=0 Brazil police searches Rio apartment owned by senator: source] by Ricardo Moraes - REUTERS (2017)</ref>

In 2018, five justices of the Supreme Court unanimously decided to put Neves on trial for allegedly receiving from JBS 2 million reais ($590,000) in kickbacks.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-17/senator-who-led-opposition-to-lula-s-party-faces-graft-trial Senator Who Led Opposition to Lula's Party Faces Graft Trial] by Walter Brandimarte, published on April 17, 2018</ref>

===Expired driver's licesne and refusal to take the breathalyzer test===

In 2011, Neves was stopped by the police for having an expired driver's license and refused to take a breathalyzer test.<ref>[https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2014/10/1535199-within-a-week-of-the-election-aecio-neves-and-dilma-rousseff-avoid-personal-attacks-during-debate.shtml Within a Week of the Election, Aécio Neves and Dilma Rousseff Avoid Personal Attacks During Debate] by "Folha de S Paulo (2014)</ref>

===Drug addiction=== Whenever he is asked, Neves replies that he "never used cocaine". His denial; however, is universally disputed in Brasil.<ref>[http://www.vocativ.com/world/brazil-world/aecio-neves/ Internet Trolls Derail Brazilian Pol’s Run for President] by Gareth Chetwynd "Vocativ" (2014)</ref><ref>{{in lang|pt}} [https://osamigosdopresidentelula.blogspot.com/2014/06/cocaina-vira-pesadelo-na-campanha-de.html Cocaína vira pesadelo na campanha de Aécio Neves.] by Zé Augusto (2014)</ref> For example, in 2008, fans shouted in the game Brazil against Argentina in the Mineirão stadium packed, comparing Neves to Diego Maradona,<ref>[https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/sports/2014/10/1532112-dunga-irritated-by-question-about-gesture-to-argentine-bench.shtml Dunga Irritated by Question About Gesture to Argentine Bench] by Marcelo Ninio (2014)</ref> whose career was marked by dependence on cocaine: "Hey Maradona go f.... yourself, Aécio Neves sniffs more than you do!"<ref>[https://tupiwire.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/ Ad Hominem] by Colin Brayton (2014)</ref><ref>{{in lang|pt}} - [https://www.pragmatismopolitico.com.br/2014/06/aecio-fala-sobre-cocaina-programa-roda-viva.html Aécio fala sobre cocaína no programa Roda Viva] by Pragmatismo Político staff (2014)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-22 |title=Lindsay Lohan supports Brazilian Presidential candidate linked to a cocaine bust |url=https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/91868828.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-23 |title=Brazilian Bloggers Claim Presidential Candidate is Censoring His Critics on YouTube |url=https://advox.globalvoices.org/2014/10/23/brazilian-bloggers-claim-presidential-candidate-is-censoring-his-critics-on-youtube/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Global Voices Advox |language=en}}</ref>

Neves, for several years, tried to disassociate his persona from the rumor of drug use<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-27 |title=Rodrigo Janot sobre Gilmar Mendes: "Ia dar um tiro na cara dele" |url=https://opipoco.com.br/2019/09/rodrigo-janot-sobre-gilmar-mendes-ia-dar-um-tiro-na-cara-dele/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=O Pipoco |language=pt-BR}}</ref> and overcome a past reputation as a party-loving playboy with a penchant for luxury.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/21/rebel-patrician-rousseff-neves-face-off-brazil-presidential-showdown|title=Rebel v patrician: Rousseff and Neves face off in Brazil's presidential duel|first=Shanna|last=Hanbury|work=The Guardian|date=21 October 2014}}</ref> Neves proposed a review of relations with supposed "narco state" Bolivia, as well as tighter control of the Brazil-Bolivia border.<ref>[http://blog.panampost.com/roberto-ortiz/2014/10/27/bolivias-narco-state-now-out-in-the-open/ Bolivia’s Narco State Now Out in the Open] by Roberto Ortiz "The Canal" (2014)</ref> In 2009, requested by one of the most important political member of his party, Mr. Serra, an article was published on page 3 of the newspaper, O Estado de S. Paulo.<ref>{{in lang|pt}} [https://opiniao.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,po-para-governador,331197 Pó pará, governador?] by Mauro Chaves, in "O Estadao de S.Paulo" (2009)</ref> The title of the article was: "“Pó, pará, governador?”" (<small>Powder, stop, governor?</small>) a play on words that was understood by many in the world of politics and among journalists as a clear allusion to the alleged use of the drug by the Senator.<ref>{{in lang|pt}} [http://www.revistaforum.com.br/blogdorovai/2014/05/25/aecio-por-acaso-quem-escreveu-po-para-governador-foi-um-petista/ Aécio, por acaso quem escreveu “pó pará, governador” foi um petista?] by Renato Novais, in "Forum" (2014)</ref>

During the 2014 campaign for president, had to face several news and situations opposing the remake "Drug-free-image"; for example, one of his key ally had 450 kilos of cocaine in his helicopter landing and arrested close to Neves' private family airport. The pilot was an employee of the house of deputies in the State of Minas Gerais, as a personal assistant to Gustavo Perrella, Neves' cousin. Despite the helicopter being the property of a private company, Perrella used his petrol allowances to fill the tanks of it. Despite it being the second biggest seizure of drugs in 2013, the mainstream media didn't show much interest in the story. Independent journalists in Brazil covered the incident on their newspapers and TV channels.<ref>[http://www.talkingdrugs.org/445kg-of-cocaine-pasta-base-found-in-brazilian-senators-helicopter 445kg of Cocaine "pasta base" found in Brazilian Senator's helicopter] by Felipe Elias published on 3 December 2013 in "TalkingDrugs"</ref> Mr. Perrella was again involved in crime in 2017, when Joesely Batista said to have recorded senator Aecio Neves requesting two million reais in bribes. According to Globo, federal police filmed the payment to the senator's cousin. The money was then tracked to a bank account of a company that belongs to the Senator Zeze Perrella<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/18/brazil-explosive-recordings-implicate-president-michel-temer-in-bribery|title=Brazil: explosive recordings implicate President Michel Temer in bribery|work=The Guardian|first=Jonathan|last=Watts|date=18 May 2017}}</ref> who's also related to the biggest drug traffic apprehension of Brazilian history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mier |first=Brian |date=2018-02-22 |title=Rio isn't Brasil's most dangerous city, so why the military occupation? |url=https://www.brasilwire.com/rio-isnt-brasils-most-dangerous-city-so-why-the-military-occupation/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=BRASILWIRE |language=en-US}}</ref>

Neves drug-image situation worsened when Lindsay Lohan got involved in Brazilian politics.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} She tweeted to 8.5 million followers: "'''Brasil needs change and I support Aecio Neves!''", which has since been deleted, as has the Facebook post.<ref>[http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2014/10/22/lindsay-lohan-has-say-in-brazilian-politics-voices-support-for-aecio-neves/ Lindsay Lohan has a say in Brazilian politics, voices support for Aecio Neves] by "Fox News Latino" (2014)</ref> Due to her addiction problems, Lohan supporting her candidate was not that great of a marketing move to help Neves image.<ref>[http://www.tmz.com/2014/10/22/lindsay-lohan-presidential-candidate-brazil-cocaine-coke-helicopter-tweet/ My Presidential Candidate HAS A CHOPPER FILLED WITH COKE!] by TMZ STAFF (2014)</ref>

In March 2016, the senator's drug-use-fame was revived when the body of Lucas Arcanjo was found dead à lá Herzog.<ref>{{in lang|pt}} [http://plantaojti.com.br/noticias/policial-que-denunciou-aecio-e-encontrado-morto-em-belo-horizonte/ Policial que denunciou Aécio é encontrado morto em Belo Horizonte] by Saulo Prado in "Plantão JTI" (2016)</ref> Mr. Arcanjo was famously known by accusations of various crimes against the Senator,<ref>[http://www.megacidadania.com.br/aecio-e-o-banditismo-tudo-a-ver/ Aécio e o banditismo, tudo a ver.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402145023/http://www.megacidadania.com.br/aecio-e-o-banditismo-tudo-a-ver/ |date=2 April 2016 }} by "Megacidadania" (2014)</ref> crimes such as drug trafficking, purchase of habeas corpus and murder.<ref>{{in lang|pt}} - [https://www.correiodobrasil.com.br/morte-suspeita-de-detetive-que-acusou-aecio-neves-alerta-movimentos-sociais/ Morte suspeita de detetive que acusou Aécio Neves alerta movimentos sociais] by the Editors of "Correio do Brasil" of Belo Horizonte (2016)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-30 |title=Grampo da PF mostra bronca de Aécio em Zeze Perrella por declaração |url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/grampo-da-pf-mostra-bronca-de-aecio-em-zeze-perrella-por-declaracao.ghtml |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=G1 |language=pt-br}}</ref>

==Personal life== Neves was born into a political family in the city of Belo Horizonte, capital of southeast Minas Gerais state, in 1960.<ref>[http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=244969 Neves history ]</ref>

Neves married model Letícia Weber, from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2013. They had twins, Bernardo and Julia, in September 2014. He has another daughter, Gabriela Falcão Neves, born in 1991 from his first marriage (1991–1998) with lawyer Andrea Falcão.<ref>[https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/politica/2014/09/28/interna_politica,573683/aecio-neves-aproveita-agenda-politica-em-sao-joao-del-rei-para-batizar-gemeos.shtml Aécio Neves aproveita agenda política em São João del Rei para batizar gêmeos], em.com.br, 28 September 2014 {{in lang|pt}}</ref>

Andrea Neves, Aecio's sister, was arrested by the Federal Police in Brumadinho, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. Andrea Neves was arrested on suspicion that she had asked for money from businessman, Joesley Batista, on behalf of her brother.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/operacao-lava-jato/noticia/irma-do-senador-aecio-neves-e-alvo-de-mandado-de-prisao-da-policia-federal.ghtml |title=Irmã do senador Aécio Neves é presa pela Polícia Federal |work=G1 |date=18 May 2017 |access-date=18 May 2017|language=pt}}</ref> Frederico Pacheco de Medeiros, cousin of Senator Aécio Neves, was also arrested in Nova Lima because he was responsible for receiving the requested money from Joesley Batista.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/minas-gerais/noticia/primo-do-senador-aecio-neves-e-preso-na-regiao-metropolitana-de-belo-horizonte.ghtml |title=Primo do senador Aécio Neves é preso na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte |work=G1 |date=18 May 2017 |access-date=18 May 2017|language=pt}}</ref>

== Elections == {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !Year !Election ! colspan="2" |Party !Office !Coalition !Partners ! colspan="2" |Party !Votes !Percent !Result |- ! 1986 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | {{party name with color|Brazilian Democratic Movement Party|shortname=PMDB}} | rowspan=4| Federal Deputy | colspan=4 {{n/a}} | 236,019 | {{n/a}} | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 1990 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | {{party name with color|Brazilian Social Democracy Party|rowspan=11}} | colspan=4 {{n/a}} | 42,412 | {{n/a}} | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 1994 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | colspan=4 {{n/a}} | 105,385 | 2.17% | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 1998 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | colspan=4 {{n/a}} | 185,051 | 2.57% | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 2002 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | rowspan=2| Governor | ''United Minas''<br />{{small|(PSDB, PFL, PPB, PV, PSL, PTN, PAN, PRTB, PHS)}} | Clésio Andrade | {{party name with color|Democrats (Brazil)|shortname=PFL}} | 5,282,043 | 57.68% | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 2006 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | ''Minas Cannot Stop''<br />{{small|(PSDB, PFL, PP, PL, PSB, PTB, PPS, PSC, PAN, PHS)}} | Antonio Anastasia | {{party name with color|Brazilian Social Democracy Party}} | 7,482,809 | 77.03% | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! rowspan=2| 2010 | rowspan=2| State Elections of Minas Gerais | rowspan=2| Senator | rowspan=2| ''We Are Minas Gerais''<br />{{small|(PSDB, PP, DEM, PR, PSB, PDT, PTB, PPS, PSC, PMN, PSDC, PSL)}} | Elmiro Santiago | {{party name with color|Democrats (Brazil)}} | rowspan=2| 7,565,377 | rowspan=2| 39.47% | rowspan=2 {{yes|Elected}} |- | Tilden Santiago | {{party name with color|Brazilian Socialist Party}} |- ! rowspan=2| 2014 | rowspan=2| Presidential election | rowspan=2| President | rowspan=2| ''Change Brazil''<br />{{small|(PSDB, SD, PMN, PEN, PTN, PTC, DEM, PTdoB, PTB)}} | rowspan=2| Aloysio Nunes | {{party name with color|Brazilian Social Democracy Party|rowspan=2}} | 34,897,211 | 33.55% | {{maybe|Runoff}} |- | 51,041,155 | 48.36% | {{no|Not elected}} |- ! 2018 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | rowspan=2| Federal Deputy | ''Reconstruction Now''<br />{{small|(PSDB, PSD, Solidariedade, PPS, DEM, PP)}} | colspan=3 {{n/a}} | 106,702 | 1.08% | {{yes|Elected}} |- ! 2022 | State Elections of Minas Gerais | colspan=4 {{n/a}} | 85,341 | 0.76% | {{yes|Elected}} |}

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==See also== *List of scandals in Brazil

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{commons category}}

{{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Michel Temer}} {{s-ttl|title=President of the Chamber of Deputies|years=2001–2002}} {{s-aft|after=João Paulo Cunha}} |- {{s-bef|before=Itamar Franco}} {{s-ttl|title=Governor of Minas Gerais|years=2003–2010}} {{s-aft|after=Antônio Anastasia}} |- {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef|before=Sérgio Guerra}} {{s-ttl|title=President of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party|years=2013–2017}} {{s-aft|after=Tasso Jereissati {{small|(acting)}}}} |- {{s-bef|before=Marconi Perillo}} {{s-ttl|title=President of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party|years=2025–present}} {{s-inc}} |- {{s-bef|before=José Serra}} {{s-ttl|title=PSDB nominee for President of Brazil|years=2014}} {{s-aft|after=Geraldo Alckmin}} {{s-end}}

{{BrazilianChamberDeputiesPresidents}} {{MinasGeraisGovernors}} {{Operation Car Wash}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Neves, Aecio}} Category:1960 births Category:Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais alumni Category:Brazilian columnists Category:Brazilian people of Portuguese descent Category:Brazilian Social Democracy Party politicians Category:Governors of Minas Gerais Category:Living people Aécio Category:Politicians from Belo Horizonte Category:Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies (Brazil) Category:Recipients of the Great Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit (Brazil)