Aécio criticizes Lula for “unrestrained spending” and wants PSDB back in power

Federal deputy Aécio Neves (PSDB-MG) criticized the third term of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) for “unrestrained spending” by the government, which he classifies as “poor aptitude for public management”. The parliamentarian from Minas Gerais has once again stood out in the party since the party’s leadership – the party president, Eduardo Leite (RS) – rescued him for the party’s day-to-day activities.

The PSDB is in the process of deciding on its new president, but Aécio and Leite have already said that they should not run for the position. The national convention is scheduled for the 30th, but the party is still looking for a name to run on the single ticket that will contest the presidency.

“We hope that the PSDB will take new and vigorous steps towards strengthening its role in opposition to the Lula government, the unrestrained spending of the State, the lack of aptitude for public management, the unjustifiable ideological alignments in foreign policy, among other issues”, said Aécio in an interview with the newspaper The state of Sao Paulo published this Wednesday (22).

Although he will not run for president of the party, Aécio points out that the PSDB must have a candidate for the 2026 presidential succession and that the name chosen must be that of the governor of Rio Grande do Sul.

When he announced the “refoundation” of the party, Leite highlighted the intention of resuming the tucanos’ leading role in national politics after their poor performance in 2022, but without making it clear whether he will be the name for the next presidential election.

“Governor Eduardo Leite’s leadership is unquestionable. He is our great figure and our big bet for 2026. The results of his good management, which we believe will be repeated, will be his passport, for us to participate with chances in the next elections”, stated Aécio.

Among the names studied by the tucanato for Leite’s succession in command are the governor of Pernambuco Raquel Lyra, the current governor of Mato Grosso Eduardo Riedel, and the former governors Reinaldo Azambuja (MS) and Tasso Jereissati (CE).

In mid-August, the PSDB released a letter positioning itself against Lula’s government, making what it calls a “consequential opposition”, but which will analyze each proposal requested by the presidency. And he also stated that he will present “proposals in 2026 so that the Brazilian population has an alternative, without having to choose between the worst and the least worst”.

The PSDB came out smaller in the 2022 elections compared to past elections and recorded the worst performance in electoral results in its 34-year history. It did not elect any senators or governors in the first round and saw the federal and state benches shrink.