Aldo Rebelo Contests Party Expulsion, Vows to Continue Presidential Pre-Campaign

Former minister Aldo Rebelo asserts he is still a member of the Democracia Cristã (DC) party and is actively pursuing his presidential pre-campaign, despite the party's national leadership voting to expel him. Rebelo stated he has not received official notification of his removal and considers the decision unconstitutional and abusive, violating due process and the right to defense.

Rebelo made these remarks at the Fórum Esfera 2026 in Guarujá, São Paulo. The conflict within the DC party escalated when its leadership presented former Supreme Court Justice Joaquim Barbosa as their official pre-candidate for the presidency. Rebelo learned about Barbosa's potential candidacy and his own expulsion through the press.

He plans to take the matter to court, emphasizing that the party's decision lacks legal standing. Rebelo also cast doubt on the seriousness of Joaquim Barbosa's candidacy, suggesting that Barbosa's intentions are unclear and that he has not formally accepted the nomination. Rebelo drew a parallel to a 2018 situation where Barbosa initially accepted a pre-candidacy with the PSB party but later withdrew.

Rebelo's stance challenges the DC party's internal decision-making process and highlights a significant internal dispute as the 2026 presidential election cycle begins to take shape in Brazil.