Paes Withdraws from First Debate with Rio de Janeiro Governor Pre-Candidates

Eduardo Paes, the former mayor of Rio de Janeiro and a pre-candidate for the state's governorship, has withdrawn from the first debate organized by Band. The debate was scheduled to take place on Sunday evening, August 9, in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro.

Paes informed the debate organizers of his decision on Saturday night, August 8, after initially confirming his attendance. The organizers, represented by journalist Adriana Araújo, expressed disappointment. "He communicated last night that he would not come to the debate. We regret the decision, which disrespects the voter's right to information and democratic confrontation between candidates," Araújo stated at the debate's opening.

Paes' withdrawal follows a similar move by Senator Sergio Moro (PL) in Paraná, who also pulled out of a gubernatorial debate, citing a "fixed game" orchestrated by PT and PSD to attack his candidacy. The Band debates are part of a series organized by Grupo Bandeirantes across 13 states and the Federal District on Sunday, August 9. These events aim to facilitate democratic discussion among pre-candidates.

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He communicated last night that he would not come to the debate. We regret the decision, which disrespects the voter's right to information and democratic confrontation between candidates.