Rafael Greca declares support for Lula, criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro and surprises allies in PR
Former mayor of Curitiba defended the re-election of the president during a meeting with musicians, highlighted the importance of the Rouanet Law and criticized the influence of the United States in Brazilian politics
The former mayor of Curitiba Rafael Greca (MDB) declared support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) in the second round of the 2026 presidential elections, opposing the positioning of political allies in the Paraná. The demonstration took place during a meeting with musicians on Monday night (19), in Curitiba, when Greca criticized the candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) and defended public policies aimed at culture and education.
During the speech, the former mayor associated the presidential election with the continuity of cultural investments in Brazil, especially through the Rouanet Law, a federal mechanism to encourage culture.
“The country is going to have an election next Sunday. Next Sunday, the country will decide whether to vote for the Rouanet Law and therefore vote for the musicians, or whether to decide to vote against the Rouanet Law and vote against the musicians. Think about what ideology is worth the right to silence Brazil," Greca said, according to a statement published by the newspaper Plural.
The speech was interpreted as a defense of Lula’s re-election, although the continuity or extinction of the Rouanet Law does not depend exclusively on the outcome of the presidential election.
Greece criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro and defends national sovereignty
In addition to addressing culture funding, Rafael Greca criticized the political alignment of the Flávio Bolsonaro group to Estados Unidos. The former mayor expressed concern about the US influence on Brazilian decisions and the exploitation of the country’s strategic mineral wealth.
During the meeting, Greca also presented himself as heir to the political tradition of former governor Leonel Brizola, known for defending public education and economic nationalism.
The former mayor also said that the political group linked to the Bolsonaro family "does not want universities or public schools." The declaration represents a political criticism of Greca, not a finding on formal proposals submitted by the PL candidate.
The demonstrations took place amid the final straight of the presidential campaign, marked by the polarization between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
Support to Lula against political allies in Paraná
The positioning of Rafael Greca draws attention especially for its recent political trajectory. In the state elections of 2026, the former mayor integrated as a candidate for deputy governor the plate of Sandro Alex (PSD), supported by governador Ratinho Junior (PSD).
Meanwhile, Ratinho Junior and members of his political group expressed support for Flávio Bolsonaro in the presidential second round.
The divergence also occurs within the MDB itself. While Greca defends the re-election of Lula, the national president of the acronym, Baleia Rossi, declared support for the candidate of the PL.
The demonstration of the former mayor highlights the political differences between leaders who were in the same electoral field during the dispute for the Government of Paraná.
The second round will be held this Sunday.
The second round of the 2026 presidential elections is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, when Brazilians will choose between Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).
The declaration of Rafael Greca comes at a time of intensification of political articulations and the search for public support from regional and national leaders.
Read also: Government advances Bolsa Família with readjustment before the second round
With the demonstration, the former mayor of Curitiba joins the group of political personalities who stood in favor of Lula in the final straight of the dispute, even in the face of differences with his state allies.
