MDB Secures Backing From 17 State Directories for Flávio Bolsonaro

Party leaders say the move is a tactical response to weak election results to boost the MDB's bargaining leverage in talks with a possible Flávio government.

Overview

A meeting on Thursday, October 8, between Flávio Bolsonaro, governor Tarcísio de Freitas, São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes and MDB president Baleia Rossi produced commitments from at least 17 state directories to support Flávio.
Party officials plan a public announcement of the alignment on Tuesday, October 13, at Tarcísio's campaign office in São Paulo.
MDB leaders say the shift follows the party's poorer-than-expected showing in the first round and losses in key states such as Pará and Alagoas, which increased pressure on centrist figures to realign.
State directories reported backing from major units including São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, reflecting how Brazilian parties let state chapters decide endorsements.
The endorsement strengthens Flávio's second-round coalition and gives the MDB leverage in negotiations over posts and policy, but the move is not unanimous and pro‑Lula sectors inside the party are expected to resist.