The announcement of the candidacy came during an event in Brasilia attended by MPs associated with Novo and the president of the acronym, Eduardo Ribeiro. The only party member, Romeu Zema from the state of Minas Gerais, did not attend the event, but sent a confirmation video.

If he confirms Felipe d’Avila’s candidacy for next year’s presidential election, this will be the second time Novo will run for the presidency. In 2018, former acronym president Joao Amoedo contested the election. He finished fifth with 2.5% of the vote, losing in the first round to Jair Bolsonar (then in PSL); Fernando Haddad (PT), Ciro Gomes (PDT) and Geraldo Alcmin (PSDB).

Privatization of state-owned enterprises

Felipe d’Avila spoke at the launch event for the Planalto Palace, about 20 minutes. In his speech, he criticized what he called populism in politics, both left and right.

“Left-wing populism has destroyed morality and ethics in politics. This is the father of monthly allowances, oil, the use of state-owned companies in the interests of party projects. Right-wing populism made things worse by introducing two variables. : incompetence in public administration and humiliation, ”the political scientist stated.

Referring to the former president of the House, Ulysses Guimaraes, whom he said is inspiring, Felipe d’Avila said that he was “disgusted” with populism in politics, a practice that, according to the preliminary candidate, leads to patrimonialism, corporatism, etc. clientelism (exchange of preferences).

“Ulysses said that dictatorship was disgusting to him. Because this populism is disgusting to me. This Brazil we can no longer tolerate, we can only tolerate the Brazil of democracy, ”he said.

Speaking for the so-called “third way” candidate, an alternative to Jair Bolsonar and former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, d’Avila said it was time for the candidates to introduce themselves to the public.

“I ask you to be patient. It is people who will define the discourse that connects with people. This is not a policy of collusion. Wait. Wait. Encourage good debate. At Novo we are not afraid of competition, we like market competition. … “, – said.

In interviews, he defended the minimal state, reforms and privatization of all state-owned companies, including Petrobras.

“It is necessary to privatize all state-owned companies. None of the state-owned companies can be competitive internationally, ”he said.

Felipe d’Avila is not only a political scientist, but also has a master’s degree in public administration, is a writer, creator of the Center for Public Leadership (CLP) and founder of the VirtuNews portal.

As a “third way”, other parties have voiced the nomination of tentative candidates to the Palácio do Planalto, including the MDB, with Senator Simone Tebet (MDB-MS); Podemos with former judge Sergio Moro; PSD, with Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG); and citizenship, with Senator Alessandro Vieira (Cidadania-SE).

PSDB must also nominate a candidate for the Palácio do Planalto. Governors Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul and João Doria of São Paulo are favorites in the preview of the legend, which should also count on former Mayor of Manaus Arthur Virgiliu Neto in the controversy.

Jair Bolsonaro is expected to run for re-election, but has not yet determined from which party. The PT should try to reassert power with former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.