Marcelo Crivella: A Controversial Figure in Brazilian Politics
Marcelo Bezerra Crivella is a Brazilian politician and evangelical bishop who served as the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro from 2017 to 2020. His career has been marked by controversy, stemming from his religious background, conservative social views, and allegations of corruption during his time in office.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1957, Crivella initially pursued a career as a civil engineer. He later became deeply involved in the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), a Pentecostal megachurch founded by his uncle, Edir Macedo. Crivella eventually became a bishop within the church, holding leadership positions in Brazil and abroad, including a period spent in Africa as a missionary.
Crivella’s political career began in the early 2000s. He served as a senator for Rio de Janeiro from 2003 to 2016, representing different political parties throughout his tenure. During this time, he often aligned himself with conservative and religious causes. He notably ran for mayor of Rio de Janeiro twice before finally winning the election in 2016. His victory was seen as a significant event, reflecting the growing influence of evangelical voters in Brazilian politics.
As mayor, Crivella’s administration faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties and security concerns. He implemented policies aimed at promoting family values and combating what he perceived as moral decay. His administration also faced criticism for alleged budget mismanagement and prioritizing religious events over other public services.
One of the most contentious aspects of Crivella’s tenure was his perceived bias towards the IURD. Critics accused him of using his position to benefit the church and its members, including allocating resources and appointments to individuals affiliated with the religious organization. These accusations led to investigations and legal challenges.
His administration also drew criticism for its handling of the city’s famous Carnival celebrations. He faced accusations of attempting to censor or control the event, allegedly due to concerns about its perceived immorality. This led to protests and accusations of undermining the city’s cultural heritage.
In 2020, Crivella lost his bid for re-election, defeated by Eduardo Paes. Shortly after leaving office, he was arrested on charges of corruption, accused of leading a criminal organization that allegedly demanded bribes from businesses seeking contracts with the city. He has consistently denied these allegations.
Marcelo Crivella remains a controversial figure in Brazilian politics. His career reflects the intersection of religion, politics, and power in Brazil, and his time as mayor of Rio de Janeiro sparked debates about the role of religious leaders in public office and the potential for conflicts of interest. His legacy continues to be debated and scrutinized.