The senator (PL-RJ) sealed this Sunday (3) the rapprochement with the pastor, who indicated support for his candidacy for President during a service at the Assembly of God Vitória em Cristo (ADVEC), in Penha, north of Rio.
Before the ceremony began, Flávio and allies met with Malafaia in a private room for an extended period. Upon leaving the place, the senator stated that he was there to receive a prayer from the pastor.
The cult brought together names from the pre-candidate’s political surroundings, such as former governor Cláudio Castro (PL-RJ), federal deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ), leader of the party in the Chamber, state deputy Douglas Ruas (PL), president of Alerj, and former mayor Marcelo Crivella (Republicans).
During the ceremony, they sat together in the front row, participated in supper and followed the moments of praise, in a service with a packed church. The group was also called to the altar by Malafaia for a joint prayer, on their knees, accompanied by applause from the faithful.
The atmosphere was politically aligned, but without intense displays of emotion among those present. An exception was Malafaia himself, who showed emotion when sending a message to former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), stating that he cannot maintain contact with him due to a court decision.
Among politicians, Castro differed from the rest of the group. Catholic and linked to the church of his tradition, he participated in the ceremony with a more discreet posture.
Throughout the service, Malafaia criticized the Federal Supreme Court and Minister Alexandre de Moraes, stating after becoming a defendant in the court. He also defended the political activities of churches. “Make your choice. Political passion or your principles based on God?”, he said, to applause.
In the end, the pastor said he blessed Flávio’s trajectory, in a gesture interpreted by allies as a sign of support for his pre-candidacy.
The meeting marks a rapprochement between Malafaia and Flávio, after months of public statements in which the pastor demonstrated reservations about the senator’s name for the presidential race, going so far as to say that he did not have the muscle for the dispute.
Upon leaving the event, Flávio stated that the relationship between the two “was always respectful, friendly” and said he left feeling stronger. “He is our leader, someone I listen to a lot. I leave here even stronger to continue my journey together with him”, he declared.
“It is clear that the pastor will step forward and help at the right time. This union further strengthens the candidacy”, said Sóstenes.
The move occurs amid the PL’s strategy of consolidating its base in Rio de Janeiro, one of the main strongholds of Bolsonarism. The party is betting on articulation with religious and political leaders to expand the reach of Flávio’s candidacy.
A Datafolha survey carried out in April shows that the senator has a stronger performance among evangelicals, although support in the segment is not yet unanimous.
