Haddad Calls US Terrorist Designation of Brazilian Gangs a Minor Issue

Fernando Haddad, the PT candidate for Governor of Sao Paulo, stated during an interview on the program Roda Viva that the United States' classification of the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations is a minor issue. Haddad argued that the specific terminology used, whether mafia, terrorist organization, or faction, is less important than the actual combat against organized crime. He further explained that terrorism is typically driven by ideology, whereas these groups are focused on money and infiltrating formal businesses for money laundering. He claimed the terrorist category was invented in the US with support from the far right to confuse public opinion.

While center and center left reports focus on Haddad's dismissal of the terminology and his criticisms of Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, a center right report frames his position as being at odds with the Lula government's previous stance, which viewed the US action as a threat to national sovereignty. Haddad also criticized Tarcisio de Freitas for a perceived posture of submission to Donald Trump, specifically mentioning US tariffs on Brazilian products and questioning what the governor would offer Trump to appease him.

On other policy matters, Haddad proposed creating a cabinet to integrate state and federal police and intelligence agencies to fight crime. He also suggested that the Brazilian public should be consulted on whether to maintain the current ecosystem of online betting houses, known as bets, after four years without regulation. Regarding the succession of President Lula, Haddad described the task as complex due to Lula's unique charisma and historical context.