São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) said Monday that the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will not be missed [1, 2, 3].

The comments signal a deepening rift between the leadership of Brazil's most populous state and the federal government ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle. By contrasting his privatization agenda with the current administration's policies, de Freitas is positioning himself as a primary ideological alternative to the current presidency.

Speaking during a debate promoted by Veja magazine, de Freitas said the federal government failed to capitalize on specific economic sectors [1, 2, 3]. He said the mandate of Lula is marked by losing opportunities in the areas of energy and biofuels [2].

De Freitas focused his critique on the missed potential for growth in green energy, arguing that the current federal approach has hindered progress [1, 2, 3]. He contrasted this with his own long-term project for São Paulo, which emphasizes the role of the private sector in infrastructure, and development [2, 3].

As part of this strategy, the governor defended the continuation and expansion of privatizations within the state [2, 3]. This approach directly opposes the federal government's tendency to favor state-led investment and public control of strategic assets [1, 2, 3].

Despite the sharp criticism of the president, de Freitas addressed his own political trajectory. He said the decision not to run for the presidency was a conscious one [3].

Throughout the event, the governor said the federal administration's lack of foresight in energy policy would be its primary legacy [1, 2]. He said the current governance model fails to meet the necessary requirements for Brazil's modernization [1, 3].

“"O governo Lula não vai deixar saudade."”

This public critique establishes a clear ideological divide between the state of São Paulo and the federal government. By focusing on energy and biofuels, de Freitas is targeting the 'green transition' economy, suggesting that the current administration is too slow or too state-centric to lead. His refusal to run for president, combined with these attacks, suggests he may be attempting to solidify his base as a regional power broker or a kingmaker for a future conservative candidate.