Cláudio Castro claims that Bacellar is the only one who can challenge Eduardo Paes in 2026.

Power Agenda - In an interview with Veja magazine this week, Governor Cláudio Castro launched the president of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj), Rodrigo Bacellar, as his candidate to succeed him at Guanabara Palace. He justified this by stating that the congressman has the best political instrument—the Rio de Janeiro state parliament—to make his candidacy viable.

"I'm surrounded by leaders who have remained united, even after the elections. It's natural that there are several candidates running for reelection. The Assembly is very powerful, and Bacellar is the one best placed to compete with Eduardo Paes on equal terms. Each person needs to find their place; what we want is to win the election," he stated.

The governor confirmed the possibility of running for Senate: “If I were to run for anything, it would be for the Senate. It’s my personal aspiration. I’m not running for federal or state representative. I have the advantage of choice. My strength in the interior, where 60% of the votes are concentrated, is very significant.”

Cláudio Castro stated that his government's performance figures guarantee him the role of an important political asset in 2026: "If we look at the government's numbers, I am an exceptional political asset. But the candidate has to want to exploit that."

In the interview, the governor stated that there is a misconception about police lethality. "The ADPF [Arguição de Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental - Claim of Non-Compliance with a Fundamental Precept] makes police action extraordinary, which is the antithesis of the visible presence necessary to guarantee the safety of the population," he declared.

Castro also highlighted the growing organization of criminal factions, which, according to him, are becoming veritable mafias, including international alliances. "Without absolving states of responsibility, a global solution to this problem must be found."

When questioned about police operations that result in road closures and generate fear among the population, the governor was emphatic in defending the necessity of these incursions. “If we don’t impose the force of the State, crime will take over everything. They say it’s like trying to mop up ice, but if we do nothing, everything will be flooded.”

Regarding the review of the ADPF (Arguição de Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental - Claim of Non-Compliance with a Fundamental Precept) concerning the favelas, he criticized the need to inform various agencies before an operation, which, according to him, generates information leaks and compromises the effectiveness of the actions. Furthermore, Castro proposes a national debate on the review of sentences, citing discrepancies in the punishment of drug traffickers.

The governor also criticized the federal government's stance, stating that security is not a priority for Brasília. "President Lula calls the governors to a meeting and promotes a pointless debate. Meanwhile, crime is strengthened."

According to Castro, security will be the central theme of the 2026 elections. “The left is stuck in a narrative from the 1980s, treating crime only as a social problem. Today, we have serious evidence of a connection between factions in Rio and groups in the Middle East. This is terrorism.”

Castro reaffirmed his support for Jair Bolsonaro, declaring that he will be with the former president or whomever he indicates in 2026. Regarding the investigations against Bolsonaro, he downplayed suspicions of a coup attempt. “Many outlandish ideas emerge in power. The president may have heard them, but there is no evidence of preparatory acts.”