Flávio Bolsonaro Holds Rally in Alagoas, Promises Northeast Train Link

Presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro courted voters in the Northeast region during a rally in Arapiraca, Alagoas, emphasizing his connection to the area and promising significant infrastructure development. The event, part of his second day of campaigning in the Northeast, drew hundreds of supporters for a roughly 7-kilometer procession.

"Brazil will only be great when the Northeast is great," Bolsonaro declared, presenting himself as "the most Northeastern carioca you have ever seen in your lives." He praised his running mate, Alfredo Gaspar, and pledged to bring prosperity to the region. He contrasted his platform with the previous PT administrations, stating, "What improved in the lives of Northeasterners? It was President [Jair] Bolsonaro who brought water," referencing the São Francisco River transposition project initiated during his father's presidency.

A key promise made by Bolsonaro was the construction of the "Trem do Nordeste" (Northeast Train). This ambitious project, outlined in his government plan, envisions a 1,400-kilometer rail line connecting the capitals of Salvador, Aracaju, Maceió, Recife, João Pessoa, Natal, and Fortaleza. He also reiterated his commitment to appointing Supreme Federal Court justices who oppose abortion and drugs and who "do not use their power to persecute anyone."

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Brazil will only be great when the Northeast is great.

The rally saw participation from various political figures, including federal deputy Marx Beltrão and state deputy Cabo Bebeto. However, the candidate for Governor of Alagoas, JHC, did not attend, despite Bolsonaro's apparent expectation of support. JHC has a history of party switching, moving from PSB to PL and now to PSDB, complicating political alliances.

Arapiraca, known as the capital of the "agreste" region of Alagoas, is the state's second-most populous city. In the 2022 presidential election, Lula narrowly won the municipality, but Alagoas as a state gave Bolsonaro a higher percentage of votes compared to other Northeastern states. The political landscape remains complex, with local figures like Cabo Bebeto expressing mixed feelings about electoral strategies.

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What improved in the lives of Northeasterners? It was President [Jair] Bolsonaro who brought water.