Brazil's Zema Pledges Petrobras, BB Privatization, Labels Factions Terrorists

Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais and a presidential hopeful for the Novo party, outlined ambitious plans should he win the upcoming election. Speaking at the party's National Meeting in São Paulo, Zema declared his intention to privatize two of Brazil's largest state-owned companies: the oil giant Petrobras and the Banco do Brasil.

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We will start by privatizing Petrobras and Banco do Brasil. And it will not be to pay Brasília's bills, but to build Brazil's future. This money will turn into roads, railways, waterways, and ports throughout the entire country.

Zema framed these privatizations as a core part of his "third mission" to "turn the key of growth and prosperity." He asserted that the revenue generated would not be used to cover government deficits but would instead be invested in national infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, waterways, and ports across the country. This economic vision aims to modernize Brazil's logistical capabilities, which he described as lagging behind its economic output.

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We will retake every neighborhood, every community, and every piece of Brazil that has been handed over to the factions. It is in territorial dominance that crime draws all its financial, military, and political power.

Beyond economic policy, Zema also addressed public security, promising to classify criminal factions as terrorist organizations, mirroring actions taken by the U.S. government. He stated his commitment to reclaiming territories dominated by crime, asserting that dismantling the financial, military, and political power of these groups is paramount. Zema proposed a minimum sentence of 25 years for crimes committed by faction members.

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The country cannot endure another four years of them.

Furthermore, Zema directed sharp criticism at members of Brazil's Supreme Court, specifically naming Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Gilmar Mendes. He suggested the country "cannot endure another four years" under their influence and echoed calls for impeachment proceedings against Moraes, aligning with sentiments expressed by other right-wing candidates. Zema positioned himself as a candidate unswayed by political pressure, emphasizing his independence and readiness to govern without fear of blackmail.

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We need a president who arrives there proof against blackmail.