Flávio Bolsonaro Says He Sought Female Vice President, Claims Gaspar Was Last-Minute Choice

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro revealed that he had actively sought a female running mate for his presidential bid, but the selection of federal deputy Alfredo Gaspar was a last-minute decision. Speaking during his weekly live broadcast on Thursday, Bolsonaro explained his preference for a female vice president stemmed from a desire for a qualified individual to join the ticket, not solely based on gender.

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Everyone knows about my attempt to seek a woman, not just because she is a woman, but a qualified person to be with us in the composition of this ticket, from other parties. [...] Only the chieftains who unfortunately decided to go another way. For us, the issue of television time, of insertions, was important.

Bolsonaro indicated that party leaders opted for a different path, prioritizing television time and campaign insertions. While he did not name names, prominent figures like Senator Tereza Cristina and economist Daniella Marques were reportedly considered. Their candidacies were thwarted when their respective parties, PP and Republicans, decided to remain neutral in the presidential election, preventing a coalition with the PL party. This forced Bolsonaro to form a "pure PL" ticket, meaning all candidates are from his party.

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I did not understand, Valdemar said at the time 'we have been keeping this name for six months'. Come on, president, that was not it.

During the broadcast, Bolsonaro laughed off statements made by PL party leader Valdemar Costa Neto, who claimed Gaspar had been selected six months prior. Bolsonaro clarified that the decision was made much more recently, stating, "Really, it was at the last minute that Marinho had this idea. I thought the idea was fantastic." He praised Gaspar, highlighting his strengths in public security and combating corruption, themes Bolsonaro intends to emphasize.

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Really, it was at the last minute that Marinho had this idea. I thought the idea was fantastic.

Bolsonaro expressed confidence that Gaspar's selection would intimidate the PT party, suggesting it exploits perceived weaknesses related to businessman Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, son of President Lula. Fábio Luís is reportedly under investigation for influence peddling, which the Bolsonaro campaign views as a key vulnerability for the PT.

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It is someone that I am sure the PT trembled.