The governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), stated this Thursday (4) that he supports the pre-candidacy of senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) for Planalto, but highlighted that the right-wing should present other competitive names in the 2026 dispute.
The statements were made at a press conference after the agenda in the city of Diadema, in Greater São Paulo.
Tarcísio stated that he spoke with Flávio the previous week and that he chose his son to represent the party in the presidential race. According to the governor, Flávio “will count” on his support and will now assume “a great responsibility” within the opposition.
When declaring support, Tarcísio highlighted that he is now joining other right-wing representatives in the election.
He mentioned names such as Romeu Zema (Novo), governor of Minas Gerais; Ronaldo Caiado (União Brasil), governor of Goiás; and said he believed that “other names will appear”, also mentioning the possibility of Ratinho Junior (PSD), governor of Paraná, entering the dispute.
According to the governor, these possible candidates are “extremely qualified” and should participate in the construction of a consensus plan for the country. He stated that the group needs to discuss “the reasons for Brazil’s delay” and develop a plan that looks at the long term.
Tarcísio also made a series of criticisms of the current political scenario. He said that the country is experiencing a “leadership problem” and that it is necessary to “reconnect leadership with society”.
He also criticized what he called “institutional disarray”, citing decisions by the Judiciary that, according to him, have an impact on public accounts.
The governor argued that Brazil needs to resume structural planning, face inequalities and strengthen a State “with checks and balances”, capable of sustaining an open, competitive and innovative economy.
He also stated that the country must prepare for a “fiscal crisis” which, according to him, “has a day and time to happen”.
Tarcísio concluded by saying that the opposition’s mission will be to “remove what is there, that didn’t work” and that the objective is to “return hope to the Brazilian people” in next year’s elections.
