Leandro Grass Assumes Iphan Presidency, Vows to Restore Technical Expertise After Bolsonaro Era

On January 10, Leandro Grass, a professor and cultural manager affiliated with the Green Party, assumed the presidency of Brazil's National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan). He aims to revive the institution's ability to safeguard national heritage, which he asserts was compromised during Jair Bolsonaro's administration. Grass has already terminated 18 superintendents due to misalignment and intends to implement additional changes in management. Over the past four years, the institute faced a loss of R$70 to R$80 million in discretionary funds, but its budget has now returned to 2016 levels. He is pursuing private partnerships for more than 1,200 assets and has addressed controversies, such as the proposed sale of Jericoacoara parks, while rebranding 'Coleção de Magia Negra' to 'Acervo Nosso Sagrado.'