Paraíba maps presidential alliances as Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro camps take shape
With two weeks left before party conventions, the presidential alliances in Brazil's Paraíba state have been drawn. Governor Lucas Ribeiro (PP), a pre‑candidate for re‑election, announced public support for President Luiz Inácio Lula, joining Senate candidates João Azevêdo (PSB) and Nabor Wanderley (Republicanos) in backing the incumbent. The Workers' Party officially endorsed former governor Lula‑ally Veneziano Vital do Rêgo (MDB) and highlighted his frequent visits to the Planalto Palace. Former João Pessoa mayor Cícero Lucena (MDB) also expressed admiration for Lula but said he will keep his state campaign independent of the presidential race. PSOL candidate Olímpio Rocha positioned himself as Lula’s “legitimate” representative, though his campaign infrastructure remains modest.
On the opposite side, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s (PL) Paraíba wing is led by Senator Efraim Filho (PL) and former health minister Marcelo Queiroga, who together aim to mobilise the Bolsonaro‑aligned electorate that gave Jair Bolsonaro about 30 % of the vote in the state in the last presidential round. Former Goiás governor Ronaldo Caiado (PSD) and Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema (Novo) have only peripheral support.
These alignments illustrate the polarized landscape shaping the upcoming national election.