Júlio Campos criticizes Progressistas over Mato Grosso candidate slate

Federal Deputy Júlio Campos (União Brasil) has criticized the Progressistas (PP) party for allegedly “forcing the issue” during the formation of the União Progressista federation's slate for federal deputy candidates in Mato Grosso.

Campos claims that the Progressistas pressured the alliance to remove Ednei Blasius, a potentially strong candidate from the Alta Floresta region, to make room for Paulo José from Rondonópolis. However, the maneuver appears to have backfired, as Paulo José has since withdrawn his candidacy, citing a lack of potential to develop his campaign. Additionally, Luciene Kayabi, another PP candidate for the federal seat, also withdrew to run for the State Legislative Assembly instead.

The dispute highlights internal friction within the federation regarding the division of seats. The current agreement allocates four seats to União Brasil and five to Progressistas. Campos expressed concern that these political shifts have resulted in a loss of regional representation in northern Mato Grosso, potentially weakening the federation's competitive edge in the upcoming elections.