Romeu Zema advances presidential bid, eyes vice‑president pick and distances from Bolsonaro
The Novo party confirmed that former Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema will have his presidential candidacy officially launched on 27 July in Brasília, after a national party meeting on 18 July in São Paulo. Polls show Zema with about 2.5 % of first‑round support, far behind Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
Zema said the businessman Geraldo Rufino – founder of the JR Diesel recycling firm and former catador of tin cans – is a leading candidate for his vice‑presidential slot, adding that negotiations with the Podemos party are progressing and the name could be announced within two weeks. He also mentioned entrepreneur Ricardo Faria as another possible running mate.
In public statements, Zema criticized former president Jair Bolsonaro, affirming he opposes any coup attempt, yet he reiterated support for granting Bolsonaro amnesty. He also denounced a recent Federal Police operation against Bolsonaro as “suspect,” suggesting it should have targeted Viviane Barci de Moraes, wife of STF minister Alexandre de Moraes.
On foreign policy, Zema urged Brazil to negotiate tariff issues with the United States, move closer to Western countries, and reduce over‑reliance on China. Domestically, he pledged to privatise state companies, reform pensions and social programs, and maintain confidence in electronic voting while proposing occasional paper audits.