Fernando Haddad said he does not fear political defeat and denied that his decision to run against a supposedly stronger opponent was driven by caution. Citing previous campaigns and public battles in 2016, 2018, and 2022, he argued that fear has never guided his choices. Haddad framed his record as one of confrontation rather than avoidance, insisting that he has repeatedly entered difficult contests in the past and would not step back simply because the odds appeared unfavorable.
Haddad also commented on criticism of the São Paulo state government, saying dissatisfaction exists across several sectors but that many people avoid speaking openly because of possible retaliation. He said conversations with military police officers, teachers, and mayors reveal widespread criticism. According to him, these groups privately express discontent, even if they do not always do so publicly. His remarks suggested that opposition to the state administration is broader than it may appear in formal political debate.
The discussion also turned to the Bolsonaro political brand. Haddad said Jair Bolsonaro’s son does not possess electoral strength on his own, but that the Bolsonaro name itself continues to command votes in Brazil. He described this loyalty as an unprecedented political phenomenon in the country and said it is rare to see such a strong personal or family brand anywhere else. In his view, the influence lies not with the individual alone but with the durability of the Bolsonaro label among voters.
The remarks were presented in the context of Frente a Frente, where columnists Daniela Lima and Fábio Zanini examine behind-the-scenes developments in Brasília. The program focuses on exclusive analysis of national politics, including maneuvering around the 2026 elections. Haddad’s comments add to the broader debate over the strength of political families, the climate of criticism in São Paulo, and the strategic calculations shaping Brazil’s next electoral cycle.
