Eduardo Paes nods to the PL and talks about unity “for the love of Rio”, but avoids mentioning Bolsonaro
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes (PSD), made an explicit sign this Saturday (25) towards an alliance with the PL, the party of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), but avoided linking any support to national agreements.
During a political event in Baixada Fluminense, Paes told deputy Altineu Cortes, state president of the PL, that the two parties must walk together “out of love for the state of Rio de Janeiro”.
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“I have no doubt that we will be together, but it is for one love: the love for the state of Rio”, stated Paes, in a speech during the affiliation of deputy Luciano Vieira (PSDB) in São João de Meriti.
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The declaration comes amid intense party negotiations in the lead-up to 2026, when Paes is tipped to run for state government.
Alliance under conditions
According to behind-the-scenes reports from UOLPL leaders from Rio state that an alliance with the mayor will only be possible if he supports Bolsonaro or his nominee for President.
The party’s municipal president, Bruno Bonetti, stated this week that “other than that, there is no possibility” of support. Altineu Cortes himself reinforced the conditioning:
“We will only be with Paes if his candidate for president is the same as the PL candidate,” he told the The Globe.
Paes’ speech this Saturday, however, reinforces the tone of independence, removing the idea of subordinating the Rio de Janeiro platform to national articulations.
“This was a week of a lot of speculation, General Pazuello. And someone said that it would only have consequences if we made a dedication of love to so-and-so,” he joked, referring to deputy Eduardo Pazuello (PL).
PSD strategy
At the national level, Paes’ PSD must support the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), if he runs for President, another sign made by the president of the party, Gilberto Kassab.
If Tarcísio does not enter the dispute, Kassab said that the party intends to launch two names of its own: governors Eduardo Leite (RS) and Ratinho Jr. (PR).
“These are two cadres who have shown good legacies and are ready to present their proposals to the country,” said Kassab last month.
While the national tableau is being designed, Paes is trying to build a broad state front for 2026, which brings together sectors of the right and the center around a common flag: the economic and social reconstruction of Rio.
