At national convention, Caiado says Lula provokes Trump and Flávio attacks authorities

Former Goiás Governor Ronaldo Caiado solidified his strategy to emerge as a "third way" presidential contender during the PSD's national convention in São Paulo. The convention officially nominated him as the party's candidate for the upcoming October elections.

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The current president wants to provoke the US president at all costs. On the other hand, the same aggressions are happening, insulting authorities.

Speaking to reporters before the event, Caiado, alongside his running mate and PSD President Gilberto Kassab, asserted that both President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who currently lead in opinion polls, rely on aggressive rhetoric to divert attention from the country's pressing problems. "The current president wants to provoke the US president at all costs. On the other hand, the same aggressions are happening, insulting authorities," Caiado stated.

Caiado also addressed his policy platform, emphasizing a tougher stance on crime, aiming to free Brazil from the grip of drug trafficking and the Workers' Party (PT), which he accused of being lenient towards crime. He also made appeals to women, proposing to confiscate assets from abusers and redistribute the funds to victims. When questioned about Flávio Bolsonaro, Caiado remarked, "Whoever steals with the right hand, whoever steals with the left hand is a thief." He further criticized the idea of a presidential candidate being unpredictable, like a "Kinder Egg, with a surprise every day," advocating for a candidate untainted by "rachadinha, mensalão, petrolão, Master scandal."

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Whoever steals with the right hand, whoever steals with the left hand is a thief.

The event was attended by PSD Governors Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul and Ratinho Jr. of Paraná, both previously considered presidential hopefuls for the party. Leite pledged strong support for Caiado in Rio Grande do Sul, emphasizing unity despite differing views. Ratinho Jr. expressed confidence that Caiado would "put Brazil on the right track."

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The candidate for president cannot be a 'Kinder Egg,' with 'a surprise every day.'

Notably absent was São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, whose re-election bid is supported by the PSD. Sources close to Freitas indicated his presence would be inappropriate due to his endorsement of Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy. An earlier social media post by Kassab, featuring images of both Freitas and Caiado to announce the state convention, reportedly caused friction.

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We believe in convergence among differences; we don't need to think alike on all issues.