Romeu Zema rules out split between Novo and PL amid Bolsonaro family tensions

Former Minas Gerais governor and Novo pre‑candidate for the 2026 presidency, Romeu Zema, said there will be no rupture between the Novo party and the Liberal Party (PL) despite recent criticism of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Speaking at the VEJA Forum Rumos do Brasil in São Paulo, Zema rejected Eduardo Bolsonaro’s call for a breakup, stating “Não acreditamos [em um rompimento]. Isso é uma opinião mais da ordem pessoal dele.” He added that he would back Flávio Bolsonaro in a possible second‑round contest against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, saying “Se discordo dele [Flávio], discordo muito mais do PT.” The tension follows Zema’s earlier remarks criticizing Flávio’s links to businessman Daniel Vorcaro and Eduardo Bolsonaro’s social‑media plea “Por mim rompia geral com o Partido Novo.” Zema emphasized that the Novo‑PL alliance remains in place across several states, including Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Goiás, and he maintains political proximity to the broader right‑wing coalition.