Romeu Zema confronts party rifts while campaigning for Brazil's presidency

Former Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema, the Novo party’s pre‑candidate for Brazil’s 2024 presidential election, is seeking to broaden his appeal ahead of the campaign. He announced a visit to Paraíba’s Campina Grande and João Pessoa, stating he will dialogue with the state’s pre‑candidates for governor – Lucas Ribeiro (Progressistas) and Cícero Lucena (MDB) – while insisting on a total rejection of the PT.

Within the Novo party, Zema’s candidacy sparked internal tension. In Santa Catarina, state party president Kahlil Zattar withdrew Zema’s invitation to the party’s July 4 state meeting in Joinville, prompting protests from municipal party branches in Tijucas, Pinhalzinho, São José and Paulo Lopes. Zattar faced calls for removal, and local leaders threatened to skip the event in solidarity with Zema. The former Minas governor responded in a live broadcast, emphasizing the party’s diverse regional dynamics and reaffirming its anti‑corruption stance.

These developments highlight Zema’s effort to unite a fragmented party base while positioning himself against the ruling PT ahead of the national election.