Republicanos informs PL that 17 state directorates want independence in presidential race

The Republicanos party in Brazil has formally informed the Liberal Party (PL) that a majority of its state directorates favor independence in the upcoming presidential election. A survey presented by the party indicates that 17 state directorates advocate for neutrality.

These findings were detailed by Republicanos party president Marcos Pereira during a meeting with Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign coordinator, Senator Rogério Marinho, and PL president Valdemar Costa Neto. The survey reveals that nine federal units expressed a preference for an alliance with Flávio Bolsonaro, including São Paulo, the country's largest electoral college, led by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos).

In contrast, only one state, Pernambuco, saw the Republicanos party advocate for an alliance with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, an endorsement already announced by the local party leadership. Pereira emphasized that the party's current priority is to increase its representation in the National Congress by electing more federal deputies and senators, aiming to bolster its influence in voting and contribute to governability.

The PL, however, continues to push for Daniella Marques, former president of Caixa, to be Flávio Bolsonaro's vice-presidential running mate. They highlighted a recent poll showing Bolsonaro in a technical tie with President Lula da Silva, even in the first round, and have made adjustments to their marketing team to enhance the campaign's structure and focus. Leaders from both parties and Bolsonaro's campaign are scheduled to meet again soon. Pereira has agreed to conduct further consultations before formally announcing the Republicanos' decision.

Behind the scenes, the Republicanos leadership reportedly harbors grievances against the Bolsonaros and does not see an advantage in becoming involved in a highly polarized election. The possibility of the party's stance in a potential second round of the presidential race is not currently under discussion. Meanwhile, the PP-União Brasil federation has declared neutrality in the presidential race, a decision that frustrated Senator Bolsonaro's plans to have former Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina as his vice-presidential candidate and to expand his campaign's radio and TV time. PP leaders cited electoral strategy as the reason for rejecting an alliance, aiming instead to elect the largest bloc in the Chamber of Deputies alongside União Brasil. The PL is still attempting to engage in dialogue with the Podemos party.