In a recent dinner meeting with businessmen in São Paulo, Valdemar Costa Neto, the president of the Brazilian political party PL, openly criticized Gilberto Kassab, the president of the PSD party. Valdemar expressed skepticism about Kassab's ability to field a viable candidate for the presidency, stating that the only candidates likely to advance to the second round of the election would be the incumbent president Lula from the PT party and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro from his own party, PL. He argued that consolidating support in the first round would be key to avoid splitting the vote.

Valdemar further elaborated on his concerns regarding the presidential ambitions of certain candidates from the PSD party. He noted that the potential success of former judge Sergio Moro, who is running under the União Brasil party for the governor of Paraná, could detract from the chances of Ratinho Jr., the current governor of Paraná and a PSD candidate, to run for the presidency. Valdemar suggested that such dynamics could lead to political losses for Kassab's party in the upcoming election.

This commentary highlights the intense intra-party rivalry and the strategic calculations that dominate Brazilian politics as the election approaches. Valdemar's remarks not only underscore his desire for a united front from right-leaning parties but also raise questions about the viability of third-party candidates in a polarized political landscape, where allegiances and support can significantly affect the outcome of the elections.