Valdemar Costa Neto, PL party leader, isn’t worried about Mauro Cid’s claims affecting Jair Bolsonaro.
He told a local paper that Bolsonaro’s popularity will remain unharmed. He aims to win at least 1,000 mayoral races in the upcoming elections.
Cid was an aide to President Jair Bolsonaro. The Federal Police are currently investigating him for various alleged crimes during Bolsonaro’s term.
“With Bolsonaro’s help, we can achieve over a thousand victories. Cid’s allegations won’t matter,” Costa Neto stated.
Rio’s current mayor, Ricardo Nunes, seeks Bolsonaro’s support. Although once neutral to both Lula and Bolsonaro, Nunes changed his stance.
“I would like support from both PL and Bolsonaro to defeat the far-left,” he mentioned.
Background
Brazil’s political landscape is volatile, making each election cycle hard to predict. PL, a centrist party, is aiming high with a target of winning 1,000 mayoral seats.
Their leader, Costa Neto, believes in the drawing power of Jair Bolsonaro, the country’s former president.
This shows the lingering influence of Bolsonaro, despite controversies.
Bolsonaro, a right-wing figure, has been a polarizing force in Brazil. He came into power in 2018, bringing a surge of conservative politics.
Critics often target his handling of COVID-19 and environmental policies.
Yet, his base remains strong, viewing him as a figure against the ‘corrupt elite.’
For Ricardo Nunes, the mayor of Rio, seeking Bolsonaro’s support marks a strategic pivot. Rio is a key city, both politically and culturally.
Nunes’ openness to Bolsonaro could signify a shift against the far-left, which he openly wants to defeat.
It’s noteworthy that Mauro Cid’s allegations haven’t made Costa Neto reconsider his stance.
Scandals have affected Brazilian politics before, leading to shifts in public opinion. Yet, Costa Neto dismisses the impact of such allegations.
He’s betting on Bolsonaro’s appeal to be resilient.
This alliance and upcoming elections could be a bellwether for Brazil’s political direction.
If PL achieves its goal, it could mean a return to prominence for Bolsonaro and a setback for the left.
Only time will tell, but the stakes are undoubtedly high.