From Bolsonaro’s support to the feeling of distrust, the colonel could define the fate of Bandeirantes in 2026
The vice-mayor of São Paulo, Colonel Mello Araújo (PL), has moved the election table in the State of São Paulo in recent weeks. of the capital’s mayor, Ricardo Nunes (MDB), since the beginning of his administration, the military officer has always presented difficulties in internal relationships with secretaries and other members of the City Hall. In , tensions increased, including with the state governor, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), making the allies change their plans for 2026.
According to a high-ranking member of Palácio dos Bandeirantes, Tarcísio was reportedly irritated by the issue. Nunes was the governor’s favorite to run for the seat if Tarcísio goes to the national race. Recently, however, the two needed to have a conversation to agree new terms: the understanding is that Ricardo Nunes can no longer run.
There is a general fear among members of both administrations that Mello Araújo could act in a way that is detrimental to both candidacies – both presidential, by Tarcísio, and state, by Nunes.
The new assessment was made after statements by the vice-mayor against Tarcísio and even about the municipal management itself on the issue of Cracolândia. Before, the State and City Hall believed that Mello could be a problem, but that it would be possible to overcome it with Nunes’ secretariat acting with force. No more.
Behind the scenes, there are those who say that the vice-mayor of São Paulo, who joined the ticket after being nominated by former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), has acted at the behest of the Bolsonaro family to attack Tarcísio and Nunes. His behavior would be a reflection of the criticism made by his children, mainly federal deputy Eduardo and councilman Carlos, towards the governor. The two want to maintain their candidacy for president in 2026 with the “Bolsonaro legacy” and have turned up their noses at Tarcísio’s political strength.
In 2024, however, while Ricardo Nunes was seeking municipal re-election, the vice-president appointed by Bolsonaro was considered crucial for the former president to support the current mayor. It was Tarcisio who did the sewing, considered crucial at the time when Nunes was competing for votes with Pablo Marçal (PRTB), who had the support of the Bolsonarist public.
Now, Nunes was ready to be a candidate for Palácio dos Bandeirantes. Factors such as good research scores and being a well-known name, including some entry into the country, were included in the calculation.
AND NOW?
Mello Araújo remains vice-mayor. A few months ago, the PL aimed at the possibility of turning him into a candidate for the Senate. While some see the possibility as a good way to “get him out of the picture” of City Hall, others fear that the opening could give way to a place under the patronage of former councilor Milton Leite (União Brasil) in charge of the city.
OTHER NAMES
The departure of Ricardo Nunes from the scope of candidates for Palácio dos Bandeirantes (PSD). Despite being the current favorite, other names, such as the president of Alesp (State Legislative Assembly), André do Prado (PL); of the president of the PSD and Tarcísio’s secretary, Gilberto Kassab, and federal deputy Guilherme Derrite (PP), are also mentioned.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
