Cleitinho says indecision cost him support for Minas Gerais governor race

Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos) has acknowledged that his prolonged indecision regarding his candidacy for governor of Minas Gerais weakened his potential alliances. He stated that this delay created an opening for the PL party to nominate businessman Flávio Roscoe for the governorship, a position Azevedo had previously been considering.

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With my indecision, I was the one who lost a platform in MG.

Facing this new landscape, Azevedo indicated he must now construct his campaign infrastructure independently. Instead of relying on broad party support, he intends to focus on direct mobilization of voters. "With my indecision, I was the one who lost a platform in MG," Azevedo admitted, reflecting on the strategic disadvantage his delay created.

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Since last year, I have been leading the polls. This was something agreed upon between me and, especially, the state party leadership, that I would only launch the campaign very close to the election.

Azevedo attributed part of the delay to the emotional period following the death of his brother from leukemia, which impacted his ability to make strategic decisions. He also mentioned an agreement with the state Republicanos party to announce his candidacy closer to the official campaign start, aiming to avoid premature political maneuvering.

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You are talking about an emotional issue, it has nothing to do with competence or my character.

"Since last year, I have been leading the polls. This was something agreed upon between me and, especially, the state party leadership, that I would only launch the campaign very close to the election," he said. Azevedo emphasized that his emotional state should not be misconstrued as a lack of competence or character. He plans to assemble a team to address the state's financial issues and negotiate with the federal government regarding Minas Gerais' debt. Azevedo also confirmed his support for Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential bid but expressed openness to dialogue with whoever wins the presidential election.

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Whoever wins the presidential election will be very welcome.