PDT leader in São Paulo defends independent Senate run, criticizes PSOL

Antonio Neto, the state vice president of the PDT in São Paulo, is advocating for the party to launch its own candidate for the Senate. This push follows the PDT's exclusion from securing a running mate position on the tickets of Simone Tebet (PSB) and Marina Silva (Rede).

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The PDT made a concrete gesture for unity. It did not create difficulties, did not present ultimatums, and did not try to block any candidacy. What is not possible is to make all these gestures and, in the end, have no presence or recognition in the majority composition.

The PDT had hoped to secure the first substitute position for at least one of the candidates, a role seen as strategic given the potential for either Tebet or Silva to be appointed to a ministry in a future Lula government. However, these positions are likely to go to other parties.

"The PDT made a concrete gesture for unity. It did not create difficulties, did not present ultimatums, and did not try to block any candidacy. What is not possible is to make all these gestures and, in the end, have no presence or recognition in the majority composition," Neto stated. He believes a solo Senate candidacy is a "legitimate alternative" to ensure political structure and visibility for federal and state deputy candidates.

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a solo Senate candidacy is a legitimate alternative to ensure political structure and visibility for federal and state deputy candidates.

Neto also directed criticism at the PSOL, which is in a federation with Rede and wants to nominate Marina Silva's substitute. He argued that the PSOL's move would "block" the composition with the former environment minister. "I have great respect for the PSOL. But it is necessary to ask frankly: what would the PSOL add to Marina's candidacy for the substitute position that would not already be represented by Marina's own candidacy, a member of the Rede-PSOL Federation?" Neto questioned.

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I have great respect for the PSOL. But it is necessary to ask frankly: what would the PSOL add to Marina's candidacy for the substitute position that would not already be represented by Marina's own candidacy, a member of the Rede-PSOL Federation?

He added that the party's activists feel they are not wanted in the alliance. "Recognizing the quality of the two candidacies [Marina and Simone], however, does not prevent an alternative candidacy from existing, with a labor identity and its own program," Neto concluded.

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Recognizing the quality of the two candidacies [Marina and Simone], however, does not prevent an alternative candidacy from existing, with a labor identity and its own program.