Tereza Cristina says 'space remains' for vice-presidential negotiation with Flávio Bolsonaro

Senator Tereza Cristina (PP-MS) has reiterated her interest in serving as the vice-presidential running mate for Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), despite her party's earlier decision to block her candidacy. Cristina stated on Monday that there is still "space" for a change in the party's stance before the final deadline.

However, she also conceded that the chances have significantly decreased since Friday, when the Progressistas party officially vetoed her potential nomination and declared neutrality in the presidential election. "There are still two days, but I think the chance today has diminished considerably," Cristina told journalists.

Flávio Bolsonaro had previously accepted Cristina's proposal to join his ticket, announcing her acceptance. However, the Progressistas party leadership subsequently overruled this, citing a majority decision from its state directories to remain neutral. "The Progressistas, after consulting its state directories, decided by majority to remain neutral in the electoral process. Therefore, we reiterate our position of not convening a National Convention. The decision has already been communicated and accepted by our leader in the Federal Senate, Senator Tereza Cristina," the party's national directorate announced.

While Flávio Bolsonaro stated he respects the party's decision, he also expressed his determination to continue pursuing the matter. "Obviously, I respect it, but I am Brazilian and I never give up," the senator remarked. Cristina's potential candidacy has been a subject of back-and-forth discussions, with earlier reports suggesting she had initially declined the offer to focus on her Senate re-election bid before changing her mind.