Douglas Ruas gains polling ground in Rio de Janeiro election

Douglas Ruas, the PL candidate for Governor of Rio de Janeiro, has seen his polling numbers rise to 25% following the withdrawal of Rogerio Lisboa as his running mate, according to a Real Time Big Data survey. He currently trails leader Eduardo Paes (PSD), who holds 35% of the vote.

Ruas has proposed a new strategy to combat organized crime by focusing on territorial control and economic freedom. He suggests that the performance of security officials, including battalion commanders and civil police delegates, should be measured by their ability to ensure residents can circulate freely and conduct economic activities without blockades or barricades.

In his campaign rhetoric, Ruas has criticized public spending on cultural events, labeling samba school parades as an “attack on the Brazilian family.” He has pledged to cut public funds for Carnival and large-scale international concerts, such as the Madonna performance in Copacabana, accusing his opponent, Eduardo Paes, of mismanaging taxpayer money for such festivities.