Brazilian union leader Márcio Ayer launches Senate bid in Rio

Union leader Márcio Ayer, president of the Rio de Janeiro Merchants' Union, officially launched his pre‑candidacy for the Federal Senate on 10 July. The announcement was made at the Clube Democráticos in downtown Rio and marks the first time in two decades that the PCdoB party has fielded its own Senate candidate.

Ayer’s campaign centers on labor issues, notably the abolition of the 6 × 1 work schedule that provides only one day off per week. He received backing from the Central of Workers of Brazil (CTB) and several PCdoB legislators, including deputies Jandira Feghali and state lawmakers Dani Balbie and Lilian Behring. The launch aims to increase working‑class representation in Brasília.