In a possible presidency campaign in 2026, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) would not see problems in promising a pardon to Jair Bolsonaro (PL) if the former president is convicted in the trial of the coup plot, they evaluate allies of the governor of Sao Paulo. Although he has made nods in this regard, such as saying that he believes in Bolsonaro’s innocence, Tarcisio tries to maintain a moderate image and avoids clashes with the ministers of the Supreme Court.
Over the weekend, the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo published that Bolsonaro would be willing to fiend the name of Tarcisio, which was expected by the governor’s surroundings, but would demand a defense of the pardon. Tarcisio, according to three nearby assistants, would have no problem crossing this line, since the theme will be unavoidable in the electoral race.
“The person who puts himself as a candidate for Bolsonaro will need to position himself on this subject. Tarcisio, even having spoken several times he believes in his innocence, would find no obstacles to commit – says an ally.” “More than that, however, it would be another story,” he ponders.
The assistant refers to public charges made by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) who, in interviews, has said that Bolsonaro’s candidate, in addition to promising the pardon, should lead to the defense of this case if the Federal Supreme Court will bar the initiative.
“It makes no sense for the governor to face the Supreme. The possibility of him ‘framing’ the STF is null. If he admits it, he would start [a campanha] Leaving democracy aside, ”says the ally.
Regarding Bolsonaro’s seal to Tarcisio, the governor’s surroundings see possible support as “something natural.” Still, Tarcisio will continue to claim that he will compete for reelection to the São Paulo government and any step further will be discussed only after the trial of the coup plot. Even with a conviction of the Supreme Court, however, Bolsonaro should not appoint his candidate in advance to maintain the power of that decision.
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“If Bolsonaro throws the towel and announced Tarcisio now, he disappears politically. This theme will only begin to be treated after the Supreme Court – says an assistant near the governor.”
By Tarcisio’s side, an early nomination would leave the governor exposed before the electoral race, which raises the risks to Tarcisio.
“The governor is fleeing this national theme, so that his work in the state is not dispersed. He has many deliveries to do this year and has avoided leaving Sao Paulo, even to avoid speculation,” says one secretary.
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Sign changes
One of the main signs that the Bolsonarist clan would accept a name other than that of the former president appeared at the Bandeirantes Palace, shortly after Bolsonaro stayed at the São Paulo government headquarters in early June. Before reticent about changes in the head of the plate, Diego Dourado, brother of Michelle Bolsonaro and advisor of the governor of São Paulo, began to speak openly that the sister would be vice of Tarcisio, tell allies.
“He was a guy who never admitted another name, always defended Bolsonaro’s. Now we observed these movements. Nevertheless, I think she will run for a senator position,” says a São Paulo secretary.
In the coming days, Tarcisio and Bolsonaro will be together in several public agendas in São Paulo. This Tuesday (17), will go to Presidente Prudente, 550 kilometers from the capital, to participate in the International Fair of the Meat Production Chain (Feicorte). In addition to the event, they visit housing estates made by the governor and deliver hospital beds. In two weeks, both should be in a new demonstration called by the former president on Paulista Avenue.
