Fernando Bezerra Coelho: Political Career and Public Service
Fernando Bezerra Coelho is a prominent Brazilian politician who has held significant roles across various levels of government. Born on December 7, 1957, in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Coelho has spent decades navigating the complex landscape of Brazilian legislative and executive branches, representing the interests of his home state of Pernambuco.
Key Facts
- Born: December 7, 1957, in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Senate Tenure: Served as Senator for Pernambuco from 2015 to 2023.
- Ministerial Role: Minister of National Integration from 2011 to 2013 under President Dilma Rousseff.
- Leadership: Served as the Senate Government Leader between 2019 and 2021.
- Current Party: Member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (MDB).
Legislative and Executive Career
Coelho's political journey began in the late 1980s. He first served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Brazilian National Congress, representing Pernambuco from February 1, 1987, to January 31, 1992.
His transition to the executive branch occurred in 2011 when he was appointed as the Minister of National Integration. In this role, which he held from January 1, 2011, to October 1, 2013, he served under the administration of President Dilma Rousseff, succeeding João Santana and preceding Francisco Teixeira.
Returning to the legislative sphere, Coelho was elected to the Federal Senate, representing Pernambuco from February 1, 2015, to February 1, 2023. During this tenure, he held a pivotal leadership position as the Senate Government Leader from February 19, 2019, to December 15, 2021, where he succeeded Romero Jucá and was succeeded by Carlos Portinho.
Political Affiliations and Personal Life
Throughout his career, Coelho has been affiliated with several political parties, reflecting the shifting alliances of Brazilian politics. His history includes memberships in the PDS (1982–86), PFL (1986), PMDB (1986–97), PPS (1997–2005), and PSB (2005–17). Since 2017, he has been a member of the MDB (Brazilian Democratic Movement Party).
Coelho is the father of three sons: Fernando Coelho Filho, Miguel Coelho, and Antônio Coelho. His family remains active in politics, with Miguel Coelho serving as the former mayor of Petrolina and Fernando Filho serving as a congressman.
Legal Investigations
On February 25, 2026, Fernando Bezerra Coelho, along with his sons Miguel and Fernando Filho, became targets of an operation by the Federal Police (PF). The investigation focuses on suspicions of irregular business dealings involving parliamentary amendment funds—government funds allocated by legislators for specific projects—within the city of Petrolina, Pernambuco.
Career Summary Table
| Role | Period | Preceded By | Succeeded By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | 1987–1992 | N/A | N/A |
| Minister of National Integration | 2011–2013 | João Santana | Francisco Teixeira |
| Senator for Pernambuco | 2015–2023 | Jarbas Vasconcelos | Teresa Leitão |
| Senate Government Leader | 2019–2021 | Romero Jucá | Carlos Portinho |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state did Fernando Bezerra Coelho represent in the Senate?
Fernando Bezerra Coelho represented the state of Pernambuco in the Federal Senate from 2015 to 2023.
Who was the president when Coelho served as Minister of National Integration?
He served as the Minister of National Integration under President Dilma Rousseff from 2011 to 2013.
What is Coelho's current political party?
He is currently a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (MDB), which he joined in 2017.
What are the nature of the Federal Police investigations involving Coelho?
The Federal Police are investigating suspicions of irregular business dealings financed by parliamentary amendment funds in the city of Petrolina.
Who succeeded Fernando Bezerra Coelho in the Senate?
He was succeeded by Teresa Leitão upon the conclusion of his term on February 1, 2023.