Haddad Calls Governor's Remarks on Female Candidates 'Gratuitous Aggression'

Fernando Haddad, the Workers' Party (PT) candidate for governor of São Paulo, has strongly rebuked Governor Tarcísio de Freitas for what he called a "gratuitous aggression" against two women and former senators, Marina Silva and Simone Tebet. The criticism came after Tarcísio stated that Silva and Tebet, who are pre-candidates for the Senate on Haddad's ticket, would not be elected in their home states.

Haddad, speaking at a press conference before a political forum, defended Silva and Tebet, emphasizing their contributions and suggesting Tarcísio's remarks revealed prejudice against women. He also accused Tarcísio and his predecessor, João Doria, of lacking focus on São Paulo's governance while pursuing presidential ambitions.

Tarcísio had previously asserted in a video that Silva and Tebet had received a "red card" from their respective states, Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul, and would face electoral defeat if they ran there again. This statement overlooked the fact that Tarcísio himself was not born in São Paulo.

Marina Silva, a former Environment Minister, responded by calling Tarcísio's comments a clear example of "double standards" and "prejudice against women." She noted that while Tarcísio found it natural to pursue politics in São Paulo, he questioned her and Tebet's right to do so. Silva, who has served as a federal deputy for São Paulo since 2023, highlighted her connection to the state.

Simone Tebet, a former Planning Minister, also countered Tarcísio's remarks. She pointed out that she has paid taxes in São Paulo for ten years and is a fan of the local football club Corinthians, implying a stronger connection to the state than Tarcísio, who was born in Rio de Janeiro, supports Flamengo, and transferred his voter registration to São Paulo in 2022.