Psychiatrist and writer Augusto Cury has announced his pre-candidacy for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election representing the Avante party.

Cury enters the race at a time of intense social division, positioning himself as a non-partisan healer. His platform emphasizes the intersection of clinical mental health and national governance to reduce the political polarization currently affecting the country.

The official launch took place in early May 2026, with reports placing the event on May 5 [2] or May 6 [2]. While some reports identify the launch event in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, others noted a presentation in Manaus, Amazonas [1, 4].

Cury, who has sold more than 30 million books in Brazil [3], said the current state of the nation drove his decision. “A inconformidade e a polarização que vemos no Brasil me motivam a buscar a presidência para mudar isso,” Cury said [1].

His campaign focuses on the concept of "pacification." In a separate interview, Cury said his expertise in the field could extend to international conflicts. “Chamaria Putin e Zelensky para conversar, pois sou especialista em pacificação,” Cury said [3].

The psychiatrist aims to elevate the standard of public wellbeing. “Quero ser um exemplo mundial de pacificação e de cuidado com a saúde mental da população,” Cury said [4].

Cury's reach extends beyond traditional political circles. A recent interview with Jovem Pan was broadcast in more than 90 countries [5], highlighting his existing global profile as an author and mental health expert.

Throughout his announcement, Cury has framed his candidacy not as a pursuit of power, but as a response to a perceived psychological crisis within the Brazilian electorate. He argues that political stability is impossible without first addressing the mental health of the citizens.

““A inconformidade e a polarização que vemos no Brasil me motivam a buscar a presidência para mudar isso.””

Cury's entry into the 2026 race represents an attempt to disrupt the traditional left-right binary in Brazilian politics by substituting ideological warfare with a clinical, mental-health-centric approach. By leveraging his status as a bestselling author and psychiatrist, he is attempting to build a coalition based on emotional stability and 'pacification' rather than partisan loyalty.