The national president of the PSD party, Gilberto Kassab, stated that he does not understand the preventive detention of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL). According to him, the measure is “severe and unjust,” especially at a time when the former president’s health “is a cause for concern.”
What happened? For Kassab, the arrest “is another sad episode in this turbulent period of Brazilian politics.” Like other Bolsonaro allies, the politician used social media to criticize the decision of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The arrest of President Bolsonaro is another sad episode in this turbulent period of Brazilian politics. I express my incomprehension at such a severe and unjust legal measure, especially when his health is a cause for concern. My solidarity with President Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). However, the appeals process is still underway, and the defense has until Monday to file further appeals. He was under house arrest and wearing an electronic ankle monitor.
With Bolsonaro in jail, Kassab advocates for a united right wing in 2026.
The national president of the PSD stated yesterday that the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), is the most competitive candidate. According to him, the PSD’s presidential hopefuls—Governors Ratinho Júnior (PR) and Eduardo Leite (RS)—will withdraw their candidacies if Tarcísio enters the race.
“We have two hopefuls, Governor Ratinho Júnior and Governor Eduardo Leite, and both will withdraw their candidacies if Governor Tarcísio becomes the candidate. Therefore, the PSD has the matter settled.”
“We have two hopefuls, Governor Ratinho Júnior and Governor Eduardo Leite, and both will withdraw their candidacies if Governor Tarcísio becomes the candidate. Therefore, the PSD has the matter settled.” Gilberto Kassab, to CNN
Kassab had already been arguing that Tarcísio represents the main leader of the new political generation. For him, the presence of the governor of São Paulo in the presidential race could consolidate a center-right front capable of challenging President Lula (PT) in the next elections.
