Alckmin advances on the Centrão and blocks Ciro.

SP 247 Without formal alliances with Manuela D'Ávila's PCdoB, PDT's pre-candidate, Ciro Gomes, has been working to reach agreements with the parties of the so-called 'Centrão' (center bloc), which could define the presidential race. However, talks by Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB) could alter this scenario.

The PSDB presidential candidate has finalized his first alliance, with Roberto Jefferson's PTB – the party's National Executive Committee unanimously approved the support for the candidate on Wednesday the 18th. The alliance adds 32 seconds to Alckmin's airtime on radio and television during the election broadcasts.

Valdemar Costa Neto's PR party, which had considered forming a ticket with Jair Bolsonaro (PSL), is also signaling support for the former governor of São Paulo. According to a note in the Painel column of Folha de S.Paulo newspaper this Thursday, Costa Neto, although he hasn't made a final decision, told the party that he prefers Alckmin, displeasing the factions that prefer the PDT candidate.

According to him, the candidate from the PSDB party, besides being from his state, São Paulo, has a more predictable profile than the explosive Ciro. Whoever it is, the group will nominate Josué Gomes (PR-MG), son of businessman José Alencar, Lula's former vice-president, for the vice-presidential slot.

Despite his poor poll numbers, Alckmin took advantage of the PR party's openness to speak personally with Ciro Nogueira, president of the PP, and by phone with ACM Neto, of the DEM. Marcos Pereira, of the PRB, also spoke with him, according to the Painel column.

Meanwhile, the Green Party (PV), whose support for Alckmin was considered a given, may opt for neutrality, further undefined the scenario for the Centrão, essential for boosting the campaigns of both the PSDB and the PDT, which are languishing between 4% and 7% of voting intentions.