Bolsonaro says he wants to run in 2026 and criticizes Marçal: “I only have a chance”

The former president Jair Bolsonaro spoke about the electoral defeats of allies in the municipal elections to his aspirations for the 2026 elections in an interview with the magazine Look published this Friday (1st). He stated that he intends to contest the election again in two years, even though he is ineligible and facing investigations in court. He also reaffirms his position as the main leader of the “conservative right” in Brazil, says Pablo Marçal, and contests the idea that his role in the municipal elections was a failure.

They speak several names, Tarcísio, Caiado, Zema… Tarcísio is a great manager. But I only speak after I’m buried. I’m alive. With all due respect, I only have a chance, the rest have no national name”, said the former president. “I intend to run in 2026. There is no point in my ineligibility.”

According to him, the accusation of political power, linked to the meeting with ambassadors before the elections, did not give him “a vote”. Regarding the alleged abuse of economic power, linked to the act of September 7, 2022, “only later” did it become known that “everything was being financed by Silas Malafaia”.

Bolsonaro did not hide his dissatisfaction with the judicial system, especially with Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), whom he accuses of persecution. He stated that he never acted “outside the four lines” and that he does not fear being judged, but expressed concern about the impartiality of those who will be in charge of his processes. The expectation is that the Federal Police will advance in investigations into his alleged connection with the attempted coup d’état, with the possibility of a formal complaint by the Attorney General’s Office.

To regain political rights in time for 2026, he shows that it will be crucial to win popular support, consolidating the narrative that he was wronged. Among the alternatives to make your candidacy viable are a possible change of law in Congress, an action in the STF or, in the worst case scenario, registering your candidacy at the last moment, leaving the decision on your eligibility to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Criticism of Marçal

When asked about the possibility of supporting a successor, Bolsonaro was categorical in discarding other names and minimized the growing support for the businessman and politician Pablo Marcalwhich has been gaining prominence on the Brazilian right. “I only have a chance, with all due respect,” he declared, reaffirming his self-perception as a central figure in the conservative movement. Marçal, who attracted a certain audience with his anti-establishment speech, was the target of criticism from Bolsonaro, who still sees himself as the most viable leader in the conservative field.

“Approximately three months ago, Marçal came to me. It was a private conversation. We spoke for an hour, he wanted me to be with him and I said that I had closed in São Paulo with Nunes, recommending the vice president. Marçal left the conversation telling the press that I would be with him. Lied. When I went to make the denial, I said that Marçal is an intelligent guy. I still think that, but he didn’t use his intelligence for good.”

Bolsonaro also stated that Marçal “is young, has a great future, but he started out scratchy”, among other reasons because he did a live with Guilherme Boulos on the eve of the second round.

“There, he made a mistake, wanting to ease his side with Boulos because of the publication of the false report. There may now be a party that wants to support Marçal in 2026. He has gained national notoriety, expresses himself well and preaches something that everyone wants, which is prosperity”.

Municipal defeats

The former president’s recent defeats and victories in key cities were interpreted ambiguously. Although he helped his party, the PL, to conquer four capitals, there were significant losses in places where Bolsonaro served as an electoral campaigner.

Candidates supported by him, such as Bruno Engler, in Belo Horizonte, and Fred Rodrigues, in Goiânia, failed to win. In São Paulo, his performance was discreet in the campaign of Ricardo Nunes, from MDB, and the former president even praised his direct opponent, Pablo Marçal. This duality in their actions brought criticism from different sectors, who questioned the effectiveness of Bolsonarist support.

Despite this, Bolsonaro argues that his involvement was crucial for the right, citing victories in Cuiabá and São Paulo, where his influence contributed to defeating left-wing candidates. He also highlighted the role of the PL, which stood out in large municipalities and achieved important positions in the local political scene.