PSDB causes split with threat to dissolve Executive Committee.

247 – Leaders of the PSDB party opposed to the coalition with the DEM, PR, and PSD parties of Mayor Gilberto Kassab threatened yesterday to dismiss the party's Municipal Executive Committee. José Serra protested and said that this would prevent him from running for mayor of São Paulo. Read more in the Folha article:

Leaders of the PSDB party opposed to forming a coalition with other parties for city council elections in São Paulo threatened yesterday to dismiss the party's Municipal Executive Committee if it shows a willingness to support the so-called "big coalition."

In response, the PSDB's pre-candidate, José Serra, increased the pressure on the party leadership and warned, through his intermediaries, that without the coalition, he will not be able to run.

Serra also requested the direct intervention of Governor Geraldo Alckmin – who is in the United States and returns on Sunday. Among those opposed to the coalition are Alckmin's advisors and secretaries.

Of the four parties that have declared their support for Serra, three want the coalition: DEM, PR, and PSD, the party of Mayor Gilberto Kassab. The faction that opposes the alliance is willing to negotiate the support of DEM and PR, but vetoes an agreement with PSD.

With the coalition, the PSDB (Brazilian Social Democracy Party) would have to share with allies the number of candidates who can run for the City Council, the airtime for electoral advertising, and the party votes.

The strongest resistance comes from the Municipal Directorate. According to the party organization, it is the Directorate that elects the Executive Committee, which is responsible for regulating the proposal regarding coalitions.

Serra even told allies that part of the PSDB party wants to sabotage his campaign. His interlocutors have pointed to the influence of state secretary José Aníbal (Energy).

Aníbal denies inciting the party, but defends the veto of the coalition.