PSD Presidential Candidate Ronaldo Caiado Proposes Amnesty for January 8 Convicts and New Fiscal Limits

Ronaldo Caiado, the PSD candidate for president, stated in an interview with Globo that he will propose a broad and unrestricted amnesty for those convicted in the January 8 attacks, including former president Jair Bolsonaro, to pacify the country. Caiado compared this proposed measure to the actions of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding President Lula, claiming the court granted the current president a similar amnesty. Several sources noted that the STF did not grant amnesty to Lula but rather annulled his convictions based on procedural nullities.

On economic policy, Caiado proposed a new spending limit via a constitutional amendment to be submitted on the first day of his government. He suggested limiting federal expenses to inflation plus a maximum of 50 percent of GDP growth. When questioned by journalists about specific cuts, the minimum wage, or changes to the retirement age, Caiado declined to provide technical details. He stated that he would need to perform a diagnosis after taking office and would consult specialists to build structured proposals.

Regarding public security, Caiado proposed the creation of a transnational police force among South American countries, which he called SulPol, modeled after Europol. He argued that Brazil has become a hub for narcotics trafficking and that a regional force would be necessary to combat organized crime. He also criticized the current government for being conniving with drug trafficking.

Caiado further requested that the STF lift the secrecy of investigations involving the INSS, the Master case, and Operation Carbono Oculto. He argued that transparency is necessary so that voters are not surprised by crimes involving candidates before the election. These cases are linked to investigations involving the son of President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

In other campaign activities, Caiado denied rumors that the PSD was negotiating with candidate Romeu Zema for the latter to withdraw from the race. He also mentioned a desire to revise the tax reform, specifically citing the projected 28 percent VAT as being too high.