Romeu Zema proposes benefit cuts for job refusals and denounces PF action against Bolsonaro

Romeu Zema, the Novo party pre‑candidate for Brazil’s presidency, said he would cancel social programme benefits for recipients who refuse two or three job offers, urging them to finish basic or professional education and supporting labor‑law flexibilisation. He also repeated his plan to privatise all federal state‑owned companies to reduce public debt.

Zema linked Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup to alleged undue influence by Francisco Mendes, son of STF minister Gilmar Mendes, accusing him of contracts with the CBF and of directing Neymar’s call‑up.

He described the Federal Police operation that searched former president Jair Bolsonaro’s home as “extremely suspect”, arguing the police should have investigated Viviane Barci de Moraes, wife of STF minister Alexandre de Moraes, over a R$129 million contract with Banco Master. Zema said, “A judge who is biased against a person has suspicion to judge,” and criticised the raid, which found no weapons.