Paes withdraws from debate, becomes target of harsh attacks

Eduardo Paes, the front-running candidate for governor of Rio de Janeiro, became the primary target of attacks in the first debate among gubernatorial hopefuls, despite his last-minute withdrawal from the event. Candidates seized on Paes's absence to launch a barrage of criticisms against him.

André Marinho (Novo) labeled Paes a "jellyfish man" for allegedly abandoning his commitments. Douglas Ruas (PL), supported by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, accused Paes of having a "trajectory of violence against women," vowing to implement electronic monitoring for aggressors if elected. Anthony Garotinho (Republicanos) branded Paes an "ally of the militia."

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The candidate Eduardo Paes, who missed the debate, has a trajectory of violence against women. I want to tell Eduardo Paes, who was not here, that in my government, aggressors of women will go to jail. And if the justice system releases them, we will put an electronic ankle monitor on this aggressor, so that he no longer comes near these victims.

Ruas specifically stated, "The candidate Eduardo Paes, who missed the debate, has a trajectory of violence against women. I want to tell Eduardo Paes, who was not here, that in my government, aggressors of women will go to jail." He added that if the justice system releases them, electronic ankle monitors would be used to track them and ensure they stay away from victims.

Marinho criticized Paes for not fulfilling his promise to complete his term as mayor of Rio de Janeiro. "Anyone capable of abandoning their post does not have the courage to compete," Marinho declared, referencing Paes's previous pledge made in relation to his beloved football team, Vasco, and samba school, Portela. The debate, organized by Band, was attended by candidates including Garotinho, Ruas, William Siri (PSOL), and André Marinho (Novo). Paes's decision to withdraw, communicated late Saturday, was met with regret by the organizers, who deemed it a disregard for the voters' right to information.

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Anyone capable of abandoning their post does not have the courage to compete, and who abandoned the prefecture after having sworn by Vasco and Portela. If you are capable of swearing by your favorite team, your favorite samba school, that you will not abandon your commitment made before the people you say you represent... before this jellyfish man, who was not present here today, we have to be tough.