Romeu Zema (Novo) launched his campaign for the presidency on Aug. 16, 2026 [1] in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais [2].
The launch signals a shift toward a hard-line security and fiscal agenda as the right wing seeks to consolidate its base against the Workers' Party (PT).
Zema focused his opening remarks on combating corruption and implementing strict spending controls [3]. A central pillar of his security proposal is the creation of a massive correctional facility to house high-risk offenders. "Vamos construir um superpresídio," Zema said [4].
Beyond the "super-prison," Zema proposed reducing the age of criminal responsibility to hold younger offenders accountable under adult law [4]. He also called for tighter anti-corruption measures to clean up government administration [3].
Addressing the broader political landscape, Zema emphasized that the fragmented right must align to win the presidency. He specifically looked toward the final stage of the election to ensure a victory over the current administration. "Precisamos da união da direita no segundo turno," Zema said [5].
The former governor of Minas Gerais used the event in northern Minas Gerais to establish his identity as a fiscal conservative with a "law and order" approach [2]. His campaign began with a direct challenge to the presidency, summarized by his brief statement: "Tô chegando" [6].
Zema's strategy relies on combining the Novo party's traditionally liberal economic views with the populist security demands of the Brazilian right. By focusing on the "super-presidio" and criminal age laws, he is positioning himself to capture voters who prioritize public safety over economic reform alone [4].
“"Vamos construir um superpresídio"”
Zema's campaign launch indicates a strategic pivot for the Novo party, blending its core identity of fiscal austerity with the hard-line security rhetoric typically associated with the far-right. By calling for unity in the second round, Zema is acknowledging that a divided right-wing electorate cannot defeat the PT, positioning himself as a potential bridge between moderate liberals and security-focused conservatives.
