British magazine criticizes the president’s age, calls Flávio ineffective and suggests Tarcísio as an alternative
The British magazine Economist published one (for subscribers) in which he recommends that the president (PT) do not run for re-election in 2026. The publication points to the age of the head of the Executive as the main obstacle to a possible 4th term.
The text, released this Tuesday (Dec 30, 2025), also describes the senator and pre-candidate for the Presidency (PL-RJ) as “unpopular and ineffective” and suggests the governor of São Paulo, (Republicans)as an alternative to the right.
Lula turned 80 in October. If he wins the 2026 elections, he would end a possible 4th term at the age of 85.
“For all his political talent, it is simply too risky for Brazil to have someone so elderly in power for another four years. Charisma is no shield against cognitive decline”states the editorial.
The editorial also draws a parallel with the United States when citing the case of Joe Biden. The magazine states that candidates over the age of 80 carry high risks, noting that Biden was 81 at the same point in the 2024 election cycle and that his re-election bid ended disastrously.
The magazine assesses that the president “there are no serious opponents in the center or on the left” capable of replacing him in the presidential race. For publication, Brazil “deserves better choices” in 2026, even though it recognizes the “robustness” of the country’s democratic institutions in 2025.
Regarding Flávio Bolsonaro, whose pre-candidacy has the support of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), the text states: “Flávio is unpopular, ineffective and would almost certainly lose a contest against Lula”. The magazine adds that “other possible candidates are being considered, including some competent governors”.
In this context, the Economist suggests that Tarcísio de Freitas “I should have the courage to throw myself into the dispute” and states that, “unlike the Bolsonaros, he is thoughtful and democratic”.
The governor, however, has already declared that Planalto. On December 18, support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s pre-candidacy.
The magazine considers it unlikely that Lula will give up his candidacy and argues that opposition parties unite behind a name capable of overcoming the “polarization of the Lula-Bolsonaro years”.
For the Economistthe ideal profile would be that of a center-right politician who “reduce bureaucracy, but not tropical forests; be tough on crime, without disrespecting civil liberties; and respect the rule of law”.
