Kassab says Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign is worried about Caiado: 'Political game'

Gilberto Kassab, the vice presidential candidate on Ronaldo Caiado's ticket, asserted that Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign is concerned about Caiado's rising profile. Kassab, representing the PSD party, suggested that the failure of parties within the "Centrão" bloc to back Bolsonaro's candidacy has benefited Caiado, a former governor of Goiás.

"This is political maneuvering, a campaign game. It shows they are worried about Caiado, a candidate who will grow significantly and is very well-prepared," Kassab stated at a Grupo Voto event. He further elaborated that the PSD's decision to field Caiado as a presidential candidate was strategic, aiming to present a viable alternative to both the Workers' Party (PT) and Bolsonaro's Liberal Party (PL). Kassab expressed skepticism about Bolsonaro's electoral prospects, stating he has a "zero chance" of winning.

Kassab also highlighted that the "Centrão's" absence of support for Bolsonaro has impacted his campaign's television airtime, with a portion of that time now benefiting Caiado. This shift, he argued, is advantageous for Caiado's campaign.

In response to Kassab's remarks, Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign accused Caiado's party, the PSD, of indirectly favoring presidential candidate Lula da Silva. The dispute underscores the intense competition for right-wing voters, with Caiado positioning himself as an administrative alternative and Bolsonaro seeking to capitalize on his father's political legacy. Caiado himself has denied acting as an indirect supporter of Lula, emphasizing his intention to compete directly for a spot in the second round of the election.