Rio de Janeiro Returns to Fiscal Surplus, Governor Promises R$5B Cash Handover

Acting Governor Ricardo Couto announced Rio de Janeiro has returned to a fiscal surplus and pledged to leave approximately R$5 billion in cash for the next governor. The announcement, made alongside President Lula and Mayor Cavalieri, links improved finances to security operations and fiscal barriers. This marks a notable fiscal turnaround for a state that has faced severe financial crises, though the sustainability of the surplus remains uncertain.