Zema criticizes rival, suggests retrial for Bolsonaro instead of amnesty

Romeu Zema, a presidential hopeful for Brazil's Novo party, launched a sharp critique against rival Renan Santos, accusing him of lacking public management experience and making empty promises. "As he has no experience in public management, he shoots like a revolving machine gun, promising the world," Zema stated during a forum hosted by the non-partisan group Derrubando Muros. The governor suggested that Santos's perspective would change if he were ever in a position of power.

Zema also addressed the legal situation of former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose conviction by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) he deemed more political than judicial. While initially defending an amnesty for Bolsonaro, Zema later conceded that a "re-trial by more impartial people" might be more appropriate, acknowledging concerns about legal certainty.

Shifting to economic policy, Zema outlined his intention to drastically cut public spending, aiming for reductions far exceeding the spending cap implemented by former President Michel Temer. He believes such measures, including halving interest rates from 14.5% to 6.5%, could save the federal government R$700 billion annually on debt payments. Zema also expressed support for pension and administrative reforms, combating fraud in social programs, and privatizing most state-owned companies, with exceptions for entities like public banks.