The pre-candidate for the Presidency of the Republic and senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) stated this Wednesday, 17th, that the lunch with businesspeople in São Paulo aimed to “calm the crowd” and reduce the animosity surrounding the possible candidacy of the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), as a right-wing name for the Palácio do Planalto.
“It was another conversation to show that, with each passing day, the candidacy is stronger, more viable and that it will be victorious”, said Flávio. “To calm everyone here regarding this fan base, on the part of some, of wanting to cause animosity between (Jair) Bolsonaro, Tarcísio and other parties, such as União Brasil, Progressistas, PSD, Republicans.”
According to the senator, the meeting had a “very positive” character and brought together opinion makers and businesspeople who, according to him, are responsible for moving the economy and generating jobs in the country. The senator thanked businessman Gabriel Rocha for hosting the meeting at his residence and stated that he intends to repeat such meetings.
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Gabriel is the nephew of Flávio Rocha, chairman of the board of Grupo Guararapes, controller of Riachuelo. Flávio Rocha maintains a historically close relationship with former president Jair Bolsonaro and was one of the businessmen most associated with Bolsonarism during the previous government. The meeting took place behind closed doors, without the presence of the press and with participation limited to selected guests.
Scheduled for 12pm, Flávio arrived at around 3:10pm due to his participation in the session of the Senate’s Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ) on the Dosimetry bill (PL). Near the end, the senator spoke to journalists at the door and said that he made it clear to the meeting participants that he intends to adopt a firm stance on the public security agenda. He also highlighted that he will have a high-level economic team, with autonomy to promote the country’s modernization, reestablish fiscal balance and attract investments capable of boosting job creation.
“They have always asked for a more moderate Bolsonaro, and I have always been like that. I am this more moderate, balanced, centered Bolsonaro, and I hope that this also reflects the population’s confidence that we will present the best project for Brazil”, continued the retired captain’s “zero one”. According to him, as his name becomes better known nationally, opinion polls would tend to reflect this strengthening scenario.
Regarding the CCJ, Flávio stated that the Dosimetry PL tends to have “practically zero impact” on his personal situation, but it can allow people who, in his opinion, have been persecuted to resume their normal lives. “We didn’t even have to be discussing amnesty or dosimetry. We had to be discussing the annulment (of the Federal Supreme Court’s judgment)”, he said.
