Tarcísio, Ratinho and Caiado criticize Lula over tariff hikes and promise right-wing unity

The three main right-wing governors with presidential ambitions — Tarcísio de Freitas (SP), Ronaldo Caiado (GO) and Ratinho Junior (PR) — did not hold back in their criticism of the current president for his handling of the tariff hike imposed by Donald Trump. The criticisms were made at a financial market event in São Paulo this Saturday (26) for the main leaders of the segment.

The governors also signaled a clear commitment to unity in the 2026 runoff election to confront President Lula's reelection bid. "Anyone who thinks there will be a major split on the right is mistaken," Tarcísio stated. "There won't be, because this group will be united, and this group will, in the future, promote the changes Brazil deserves."

Leading one of the states hardest hit by tariffs, the São Paulo governor criticized the federal government's political exploitation of tariffs. "Unfortunately, today we live in a time when everyone is trying to take political advantage of everything, trying to divide the country," he stated.

Ratinho Júnior was even harsher, stating that the current administration has destroyed channels of negotiation by ideologically rigging the Foreign Ministry. He accused the government of lacking planning and failing to seriously address strategic foreign policy issues. According to him, bringing forward the 2026 election debate is a direct reflection of the population's dissatisfaction with the country's governance.

"It's a government that, on an issue as important as this discussion of Trump's tariff hike, often plays the victim: 'Oh, it's a personal thing with Brazil.' No. Trump did this with China, Japan, the Philippines, India, Mexico, and Canada. And what did the other countries do? They went there, sent their foreign minister, sent their representatives, and sat down at the table to discuss. Here we make videos online to joke about this issue—as the president of the Republic unfortunately did these last few days."

Caiado, in turn, accused President Lula of not actually wanting to solve the problem of the tariff hike imposed by the United States. "Actually, Lula doesn't want to solve the problem of the tariff hike. Let's be realistic: we all here have the ability to interpret very well what he's trying to create or provoke with all this, right?"

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently acts more as an ideological instrument than as a technical channel for negotiation. "And it has also destroyed the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, which was once considered one of the best in the world."

And he asked: “Who is Lula to talk about sovereignty [an argument repeatedly used by the Planalto Palace against Trump]? He is someone who has always divided the country.”

Bolsonaro's affections and a speech of unity

All presidential candidates need the support of former President Jair Bolsonaro to be viable. Caiado, the first to announce his intention to run, argued that the party should launch its own candidate in the first round, to build a single right-wing candidate in the runoff. "With three of us, they can't reach everyone at once. And we'll arrive in the second round with full force," he declared.

For him, the debate between candidates from the same political spectrum doesn't represent division, but rather a strengthening of democracy: "The most important thing is that it's a process that will likely take two rounds. So, whoever has the opportunity to make it to the second round, I have no doubt, will have the ability to bring this entire team together to present a new project for Brazil."

He made a direct nod to Bolsonaro: “The only leader in Brazil who has managed to mobilize and get the population to participate in popular movements is, without a doubt, Bolsonaro,” he added.

Tarcísio de Freitas reinforced the tone of unity and dismissed disagreements. According to him, a national project is above vanity and internal disputes. "Yes, I preach unity. And whatever the moment and strategy, we have to change Brazil's course. Brazil deserves it," said the São Paulo governor, considered the favorite in the race, according to polls.

And he reinforced Bolsonaro's participation in the process. "Anyone who thinks that a leader like Jair Bolsonaro will stay out of this process, under any circumstances, is mistaken, because he will participate."

Ratinho Junior adopted a more institutional tone, arguing that the debate in the first round is legitimate and necessary, but that convergence in the second is strategic. He was also emphatic in arguing that the unity of the right will be crucial to defeating the Workers' Party (PT): "Whoever is able to reach the second round, I have no doubt, will have the ability to bring this entire team together to present a new project for Brazil," he stated.

In addition to the tariff hike, public safety was the focus of debate

One of the topics most highlighted by the governors during the panel was public safety, identified as the main demand of the population in all states.

Caiado responded with an account of the conditions he encountered upon taking office. "Overdue payroll taxes, corruption, crime, the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) taking control of one part, the PCC (Communist Communist Party) taking control of another, and other factions as well. In short, you couldn't walk on the street, pickup trucks were stolen, there were no insurance companies willing to cover diesel cars, rural properties were being robbed and hijacked... Citizens had businesses and had to pay tolls to criminals," he described.

His first actions as governor were to send a clear message to organized crime. "On my first day as governor, I said: 'Look, criminals change their profession or leave the state of Goiás.'"

He explained that his administration imposed strict rules on the prison system and strengthened security forces. He also criticized the idea of constant monitoring of police actions.

"I respect those who think we should put cameras on police officers, but what you need is a strict and serious internal affairs department. Now let your police do their job."

To applause from the audience, he advocated for firm security policies: "This issue cannot be handled lightly. We must address this issue seriously and with the courage to confront it and restore citizens' freedom of movement: to go to the bus stop, to go out with their children, or to be on their property."

Ratinho Júnior defended the thesis of approving a constitutional amendment that would allow states to legislate on criminal matters, as exists in the United States.

The governor of São Paulo also acknowledged the possibility, emphasizing that São Paulo is "driving crime out of the fuel sector." "Crime will suffer at our hands. There will be no room for crime here. São Paulo will have no room for crime," he declared.