Avante Officially Backs Augusto Cury for President; Tarcísio Attends Convention

The Avante party officially nominated writer Augusto Cury as its presidential candidate at a convention held Monday at the São Paulo Legislative Assembly. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas attended the event, sitting alongside Cury and wishing him luck in his presidential bid.

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To tell you, Augusto Cury, that with great courage, you who are a consecrated person, who is running for President of the Republic, we are here to also wish you good luck on this journey. It is a joy to be able to count on each of you and I want each of you to be able to count on me.

Freitas's presence marks a notable political maneuver. He previously skipped the PSD party's convention for Ronaldo Caiado's presidential candidacy to avoid conflict with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, whose support Freitas seeks. Both PSD and Avante parties back Freitas's re-election as governor.

During his speech, Cury outlined his vision for Brazil, proposing a reform to a semi-presidential system. He stated that if elected, he would invite Tarcísio de Freitas to serve as prime minister, responsible for managing the nation while the president would handle strategic affairs and the armed forces.

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There will be a president who will take care of the strategic, the Armed Forces, and a prime minister to manage this continental nation. And a prime minister who is on my radar, and whom I would have the privilege of inviting, is called Tarcísio de Freitas.

Cury also mentioned receiving a "free hand" from Avante party leader Luis Tibé to forge a "national pact" aimed at reducing political polarization. He emphasized unity, stating, "There is only one boat called the Brazilian Family. And if this boat sinks, we all sink."

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In truth, there is only one boat called the Brazilian Family. And if this boat sinks, we all sink. There are no ideological lifeboats.

Other notable attendees included São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes and the President of the Legislative Assembly, André do Prado. Cury confirmed that discussions about a vice-presidential running mate are ongoing, noting that talks with former Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema did not advance.

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The conversation with Zema, who is a person I admire and who is a reader of my books, was very good, fruitful, generous. We talked about the possibility of forming a single ticket. But, unfortunately, it seems it did not progress. He...