The race for the government of Rio Grande do Sul is the focus of GLOBO's series of interviews with candidates in Brazil's largest states. Luciano Zucco (PL), Gabriel Souza (MDB), and Juliana Brizola (PDT) are the three candidates interviewed, representing different political spectrums. The election is described as marked by low voter awareness of the candidates and a fierce battle for a spot in the runoff.
The three candidates present distinct visions for the future of the state, covering topics such as reconstruction after the 2024 floods, the fiscal situation, and the relationship with the federal government. Gabriel Souza is the vice governor of the current governor Eduardo Leite (PSD), while Zucco opposes the state government.
Luciano Zucco is described as a candidate linked to Bolsonaroism and represents the main platform in the state for Senator Flavio Bolsonaro (PL). The PL candidate claims the state "is not a scorched earth," but that political leadership and initiative were lacking to address problems such as the floods and the state's debt.
