Antônio Carlos Rodrigues, a historical figure of Brazil's PL party, announced his departure after almost three decades, citing the party's significant transformation toward a Bolsonaro-aligned stance as the catalyst for his decision. Rodrigues stated he was leaving 'through the front door' as he has not changed, but rather his party has. Historically aligned with Lula and the Workers' Party (PT), Rodrigues' shift was prompted by his dwindling influence within the PL, especially after the party embraced Bolsonaro and his allies early in the decade.

Having served as Minister of Transport under Dilma Rousseff and as a senator's substitute for Marta Suplicy, Rodrigues has deep political roots dating back to the PL's inception in the 1980s by former deputy Álvaro Valle. His commitment to the party was steadfast over 27 years, yet he felt increasingly isolated as the PL drifted away from its original principles. His defense of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, a notable adversary of the bolsonarismo, was deemed the breaking point in his relationship with the party, leading him to take the step to leave.

The implications of Rodrigues' departure reflect broader trends within Brazilian politics, where party alignments are fluid and often shift dramatically in response to changing leadership. His transition to Podemos may signify a return to more centrist politics and poses questions about the future of the PL as it aligns increasingly with the far-right. This move could also influence election dynamics, as Rodrigues aims to secure a new term in Congress under a party that may align more closely with his values and past collaborations with the left.