Caiado Launches Presidential Bid With Hard-Line Security Pledge

Ronaldo Caiado, the PSD presidential candidate and former governor of Goiás, officially launched his campaign at the party's national convention in São Paulo on Sunday ^[1].

Caiado is positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate in a political climate where public security remains a primary concern for Brazilian voters. By emphasizing a rigid approach to crime, he aims to consolidate the right-wing vote and differentiate his platform from more moderate alternatives.

During the event on July 26 ^[1], Caiado presented a tough security agenda to the party delegates. He used blunt language to describe his intended approach to governance and criminal justice. "Comigo, bandido não se cria," Caiado said ^[2].

The phrase, which translates to "with me, criminals do not thrive," serves as the centerpiece of his security platform. He framed his candidacy as one of transparency and strength, asserting that he has nothing to hide from the electorate. "Não tem nada a esconder," he said ^[3].

Caiado's appearance at the convention marks the formal start of his push for the presidency. The event in São Paulo was designed to unify the PSD membership behind his leadership and security-focused rhetoric. The former governor spent the session detailing how his experience in Goiás would be scaled to a national level to combat organized crime, and instability.

Throughout the proceedings, the candidate maintained that the country requires a leader who is decisive and predictable. He contrasted his own stability with other political figures, suggesting that Brazil does not need candidates who offer daily surprises to the public ^[4].