Governor said he intends to dialogue with Lula and Bolsonaro voters; PSD must define presidential candidate by the end of March
The governor of Rio Grande do Sul and pre-candidate for president, (PSD), stated on Wednesday (11.mar.2026) that he takes a political stance “more from the center to the right”for defending a reformist agenda and changes in the structure of the State. According to him, the left tends to have more difficulty understanding the need to restructure the public sector.
The governor intends to lead an alternative to political polarization in the 2026 elections. According to him, the objective is to build a project capable of dialoguing with both the president’s voters (PT) as well as those of the former president (PL).
Watch (34sec):
The statement was given in an interview with Poder360 recorded in the digital newspaper studio. Leite said that he seeks to convince the electorate through administrative proposals and results, and not by trying to disqualify opponents. “What we see today is a policy whose energy is focused on destroying the opponent”he stated.
Watch the full interview (39min09s):
Leite disputes internally within the PSD the nomination to run for Planalto. The governor said he respected the other names that appear as possible candidates, such as the governor of Goiás, and the governor of Paraná, . According to him, both have good administrative results in their states. The acronym must your candidate for Palácio Planalto until March 31st.
The governor said he intends to dialogue with different groups of the electorate, including those who currently support Lula or Bolsonarism. According to him, the concerns of these voters are legitimate and do not need to be treated as incompatible.
According to the governor, part of the electorate that supports Lula is mobilized by social issues, such as inclusion and diversity. Voters who identify with Bolsonarism have shown concern about business environment and tax burden.
“I don’t just want to talk to Lula or Bolsonaro. I want to talk to their voters”he stated.
Leite said that these agendas can be reconciled in a political project that combines fiscal responsibility, encouraging entrepreneurship and social policies.
The governor also stated that Brazil will need to carry out structural reforms to face the growth of public debt and the increase in mandatory expenses.
Among the proposals mentioned are:
- administrative reform;
- end of the coalition for the majority election
- end of reelection to Executive positions;
- adoption of mixed district voting;
- minimum age of 60 for STF ministers.
