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Brazil eyes swap for embattled Petrobras CEO, sources state

Brazil's federal government is weighing names to replace Petrobras CEO Jean Paul Prates in coming days, two federal government sources told on Thursday, however 2 sources near to the CEO of the staterun oil firm stated his exit is not a done deal.

Prates has actually been under friendly fire from parts of Brazil's. governing union requiring him to bring down fuel costs. and ramp up job-creating investments. Last month, he clashed. with members of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's cabinet. over a dividend withheld from Petrobras investors.

Government ministers have reached an agreement to launch. that amazing dividend, newspaper O Globo reported on. Thursday, but Prates may not last to see the payout.

CNN Brasil reported on Thursday that the exit of Prates was. imminent, pointing out 3 unnamed sources.

Petrobras shares shut down 1.4%.

No decision has been made relating to dividend. distribution, the company said in a statement after markets closed.

Prates understands he remains in problem, as the campaign for his. replacement comes from Lula's cabinet, said a source near to. the CEO. However this is not the very first time his exit has appeared. unavoidable just for the strategy to die, one source kept in mind. Another said a short-term exit is possible however not likely.

Including weight to the reports this time, federal government sources. pointed out possible substitutes close to Lula's inner circle.

The head of state development bank BNDES, Aloizio. Mercadante, is being considered as a substitute for Prates, stated. the sources on condition of anonymity. He has the support of. Financing Minister Fernando Haddad, who has been backing Prates,. among the sources stated.

Another name under factor to consider is Bruno Moretti, a special. secretary at the governmental palace who sits on the board of. Petrobras, a government source informed . Moretti is close to. Lula's chief of personnel Rui Costa, who has criticized Prates.

Starting the speculation on Thursday, paper Folha de. Sao Paulo reported that Prates was looking for a conference with Lula. to request for support to stay in the role, however opening the door to. an exit if he can not a strong show of assistance.

Lula's press workplace said in a statement that it was not. aware of any scheduled conference. Petrobras did not react to. requests for comment.

Prates minimized the circumstance on Thursday afternoon,. publishing a meme on social platform X stating he will leave. Petrobras later Thursday, however then resume work on Friday.

The Petrobras workers' union FUP slammed in a declaration. what it called a public bashing of Prates, adding that it. recognizes the CEO's contributions to the state-run company.

(source: Reuters)