Paulinho da Força reacts to Lula's criticism, says president 'is senile'

Federal deputy and president of the Solidariedade party, Paulinho da Força, has responded sharply to President Lula's accusations that he supported the Labor Reform enacted during the Temer administration. Paulinho da Força told a columnist that the president "must be senile." "I think he's getting senile or, after getting old, he's become a liar," the deputy stated.

During a PT convention in São Paulo, President Lula defended labor rights and commented on the weakening of unions in recent years. He specifically mentioned Paulinho da Força, saying, "Temer had the courage to weaken [unions] even further with the support of Paulinho, from Força Sindical, who will ask for your vote now. So you need to be careful."

Paulinho da Força, as president of Solidariedade, was approached by the PT to launch his own candidacy for governor of São Paulo, aiming to disrupt the race and potentially help Fernando Haddad (PT) advance to a second round against Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos). However, the federal deputy dismissed this possibility, announcing he will support Governor Tarcísio de Freitas's re-election bid.

When questioned about a potential Senate run, a possibility he had previously announced earlier in the year, Paulinho da Força confirmed that a decision has been made. "I will not be a candidate," he told the columnist.