# Brazilian political candidates propose reforms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-political-candidates-propose-reforms
> Updated: 2026-08-25T00:43:31.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3.

During the Brazilian election cycle, various political candidates have introduced diverse economic and social reform proposals. Presidential candidate Romeu Zema, representing the Novo Party, has detailed an ultraliberal platform centered on the privatization of major state-owned enterprises. His plan involves splitting companies like Petrobras and Banco do Brasil into smaller entities to foster market competition, though he intends for Caixa Econômica Federal to remain state-owned due to its social role.

Zema’s economic proposals include the ‘Sócios do Brasil’ program, which provides a R$ 1,000 federal investment into variable income funds for citizens at birth until age 18, and a R$ 5,000 bonus for Bolsa Família beneficiaries who enter formal employment. To encourage formalization, he has advocated for simplifying labor laws and introducing an hourly-paid employment regime. Regarding social security, he stated he does not intend to immediately change the minimum retirement age, suggesting adjustments only follow changes in life expectancy.

On regional and international policy, Zema proposed a gradual ‘weaning’ process for tax incentives in the Manaus Free Trade Zone to promote economic autonomy. He also suggested a new federative pact to distribute health funds directly to municipalities to reduce political pressure on mayors. Internationally, he advocated for withdrawing Brazil from the BRICS bloc to pursue OECD membership, while maintaining strong bilateral relations with China and India.

Other candidates have focused on regional support, such as Senate candidate Margareth Buzetti’s proposal for a national childcare policy and Acre Governor Mailza’s platform to modernize the business environment and expand credit access.

## Claims

- Zema claimed Brazil remains dependent on importing diesel and gasoline. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Romeu Zema advocates for a gradual reduction of tax incentives for the Manaus Free Trade Zone. (single source)
- Zema stated he does not intend to change the minimum retirement age immediately. (single source)
- Zema proposes privatizing Banco do Brasil by splitting it into multiple entities to increase competition. (single source)
- Zema criticized the Supreme Federal Court (STF), claiming it has become a ‘business counter’ for some ministers. (single source)
- Zema intends to simplify labor laws and create an hourly pay regime to increase formal employment. (single source)
- Zema proposed a new federative pact to improve the distribution of health funds to municipalities. (single source)
- Zema proposed withdrawing Brazil from the BRICS group. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Romeu Zema outlines 2026 presidential platform and economic reforms

Presidential candidate Romeu Zema proposes privatizing Petrobras and Banco do Brasil, reducing Manaus Free Trade Zone incentives, and withdrawing Brazil from BRICS as part of his 2026 platform.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romeu-zema-proposes-splitting-petrobras-and-banco-do-brasil-for-privatization

### 2026-08-17: Brazilian candidates propose economic and social reforms

Brazilian political candidates Margareth Buzetti and Mailza have proposed new economic measures, including national childcare policies and reduced bureaucracy to support entrepreneurs and job growth.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-candidates-propose-economic-and-social-reforms

### 2026-08-09: Romeu Zema proposes social welfare reforms and OECD membership

Presidential candidate Romeu Zema proposes a R$ 1,000 investment for newborns, employment bonuses for Bolsa Família recipients, and withdrawing Brazil from BRICS to join the OECD.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romeu-zema-proposes-social-welfare-reforms-and-oecd-membership

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Cite as: Brazilian political candidates propose reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-political-candidates-propose-reforms