Rafael Fonteles argues for strengthening Haddad to recover Lula's popularity.
The governor of Piauí defended the advancement of Haddad's economic agenda as a way to reduce inflation and interest rates.
247 - The governor of Piauí, Rafael Fonteles (PT), stated, in an interview with Folha de S. PaulFonteles argues that the drop in President Lula's (PT) approval rating is a result of the government's communication strategy and higher inflation. To overcome this scenario, he advocates strengthening the Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad (PT), by focusing on the economic agenda.
"I am convinced that we need to increasingly give credibility to the fiscal framework and try to climb the last step needed to achieve investment grade. Even if this has some political cost in the short term, it has a very important medium and long-term gain, including on issues that directly affect current inflation and interest rate matters," said the governor.
The governor said he sees Haddad as a natural successor to Lula. "If the government is successful, and for that to happen it has to be successful in the economic area, naturally he [Haddad] is the name that will become even more consolidated nationally."
However, he defended Lula's candidacy for re-election in 2026. "Whoever has the best alternative doesn't need to be thinking about other alternatives at this moment. This renewal will naturally happen, but now, for 2026, our candidate is President Lula. He is the best candidate, the most experienced, the one who is most capable of making this transition to a new historical moment," he declared.
According to Fonteles, it's normal for the federal government to undergo adjustments in the second half of its term, and he advocated for closer ties with Congress. "Perhaps that's the most important step. If every bill becomes a huge challenge, you end up actually delaying some solutions," he explained.
The governor praised Lula's resumption of travel and advocated for more regionally focused communication. "We increasingly need to use Lula as a vehicle to communicate the government's achievements, important agendas, and to counter fake news and irrelevant information that is gaining prominence," he stated.
