União-PP Federation to Support Flávio in SP, but May Remain Neutral Nationally, Leaders Indicate

Leaders of the União Progressista federation in São Paulo have officially backed Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a pre-candidate for president, during a state convention. This decision signals a divergence from the federation's national strategy, which aims for neutrality, permitting each state to determine its own political endorsements.

Milton Leite, the federation's president in São Paulo, referred to Bolsonaro as "our presidential candidate." Maurício Neves, the vice-president, emphasized that the federation's support would be crucial for Bolsonaro's campaign. Guilherme Derrite, a pre-candidate for the Senate, also reinforced this backing, stating that "there is no neutrality here in São Paulo. In São Paulo, the União Progressista Federation is Flávio Bolsonaro."

The national leadership of the federation, including its president Antonio Rueda and vice-president Ciro Nogueira, did not attend the São Paulo event, indicating a potential rift. The national convention, rescheduled to August 5, is the deadline for parties to finalize their electoral strategies. The national leadership's neutrality is reportedly "99% certain," particularly to accommodate alliances in the Northeast region, where parties are closer to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government.

Furthermore, the União Progressista officially endorsed Tarcísio de Freitas for re-election as governor of São Paulo. This support is seen as vital for the candidacies of Derrite and André do Prado, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo. The situation is complicated by the presence of another right-wing Senate candidate, Ricardo Salles, creating a competitive environment for the two available Senate seats.