Valdemar says Flávio Bolsonaro was unprepared for presidential bid

Valdemar Costa Neto, the national president of the Liberal Party (PL), declared that Senator Flávio Bolsonaro was not "prepared to be a candidate" for the presidency. This statement comes after Flávio was chosen by his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently detained, to run for the party in the upcoming election.

Costa Neto explained that Flávio Bolsonaro had not built a sufficient structure or prior work to be a presidential candidate, and the party is now working to establish that. He made these remarks while discussing the formation of alliances for the 2026 elections.

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He was chosen by (Jair) Bolsonaro and had not done a structure, a job before to be a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. Bolsonaro chose Flávio and now we are managing to move forward on this matter.

The PL leader also dismissed Senator Tereza Cristina (PP-MS) as a potential vice presidential running mate for Flávio Bolsonaro. Costa Neto had advocated for Cristina due to her "charisma" and vote-pulling potential, but the agreement did not materialize. He stated that Cristina is interested in pursuing the presidency of the Senate instead. Nevertheless, Costa Neto still hopes for an agreement with her party to support Flávio's candidacy.

Costa Neto announced a meeting with Flávio Bolsonaro and campaign coordinator Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN) to discuss party alliances. The União Progressista federation, comprising União Brasil and PP, currently maintains national neutrality, allowing individual states to decide which presidential candidate to support. While the federation in São Paulo has declared support for Flávio Bolsonaro, he has yet to secure endorsements in Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, two crucial electoral districts.

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She has no interest in being on the ticket because she is aiming for the presidency of the Federal Senate.