Romeu Zema pledges Petrobras and Banco do Brasil privatization while weighing Michelle Bolsonaro as vice option

At the 10th National Meeting of the Novo party in São Paulo on 18 July 2026, pre‑candidate for the presidency Romeu Zema announced that, if elected, he will privatise Petrobras and Banco do Brasil. He said the proceeds will be earmarked for large‑scale infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports and waterways, adding that the move is intended to cut public spending, reduce debt and lower interest rates. Zema also outlined security proposals, including the classification of criminal factions as terrorist organisations, the deployment of the armed forces against organized crime and a minimum 25‑year sentence for members of those groups.

Zema said the vice‑presidential slot will be given to a “clean‑record” candidate. He mentioned former first‑lady Michelle Bolsonaro as one possible name, stating “É uma possibilidade, como outras também são.” Michelle Bolsonaro responded on her Instagram story that “Não há nenhuma possibilidade” of joining Zema’s ticket, noting that she remains with the Liberal Party (PL), which already fields Flávio Bolsonaro for the presidency, and that a party cannot present two separate presidential tickets.

The party will postpone the formal vice‑presidential decision until its August conventions, while continuing talks with other parties such as Podemos. Zema’s platform also includes criticism of President Lula’s government, proposals to impeach Supreme Court minister Alexandre de Moraes, and broader liberal‑conservative reforms.