Fernando Haddad (PT), a candidate for governor of São Paulo, said renationalizing the water utility Sabesp would be a complex process [1].
The statement signals a cautious approach to one of the state's most contentious privatization efforts. While the Workers' Party has historically opposed the sale of state assets, Haddad's focus on contract legality suggests a pragmatic strategy to avoid costly legal battles.
Speaking Monday, the 24th, during a sabatina hosted by UOL and Folha de S.Paulo, Haddad said he defended the need to review existing privatization and concession contracts [1]. He said that current agreements contain binding clauses that could make a full return to state control prohibitively expensive [1].
"Não gosto de vender ilusão," Haddad said in a separate interview with Jovem Pan News.
Rather than an immediate takeover, the candidate suggested that adjusting the terms of existing agreements might be a more viable path. He said that revising rules could potentially cost the state less than a full renationalization [2].
Despite his criticisms of the privatization of Sabesp, Haddad emphasized that his party maintains a commitment to legal stability. "PT respeita contratos," he said [3].
This stance has drawn criticism from political opponents. Tarcísio de Freitas said that Haddad needs to study the specifics of the Sabesp privatization more closely [3]. Haddad said he understands the complexity of the situation and continues to advocate for the review of contracts to ensure they serve the public interest [1].
“"Não gosto de vender ilusão."”
Haddad's position represents a pivot from ideological opposition to a legalistic approach. By prioritizing the review of contracts over outright renationalization, he seeks to appeal to moderate voters and investors who fear institutional instability, while still maintaining his party's core critique of privatization.
