The debate promoted by Globo brought together five candidates for the Rio de Janeiro state government and turned into a stage for intense verbal confrontations, especially between Eduardo Paes (PSD) and Douglas Ruas (PL).
Exchange of barbs right at the start
Ruas was the first to attack, questioning old promises about metro line 3 and classifying Paes as a representative of "old politics". The president of Alerj cited President Lula and former governor Sérgio Cabral as examples of unfulfilled commitments, while highlighting Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL) support for the project.
Paes responded immediately, recalling that Ruas served as secretary to Cláudio Castro (PL) and replaced Rodrigo Bacellar in the presidency of the Assembly. The former mayor questioned the lack of concrete actions in mobility in the Baixada Fluminense during Ruas' administration.
Other topics and alliances
In the employment block, Paes again associated the rival with Castro and former governor Wilson Witzel. In education, Ruas and André Marinho (Novo) defended the expansion of civic-military schools and criticized Paes' management.
William Siri (PSOL) focused criticisms on Flávio Bolsonaro, whom he called a "militia bandit", and praised Paes' support for Lula. The former mayor, in turn, avoided national polarization and focused on state issues.
Personal accusations and Garotinho
Ruas addressed policies for women and mentioned an archived accusation against Pedro Paulo (PSD candidate for Senate). Paes countered by citing a similar process involving Ruas' brother.
Anthony Garotinho (Republicanos), despite his rhetorical experience, was overshadowed. He criticized the list seized by the Federal Police at Bacellar's house and stated that Ruas would also be on it. At the end, Garotinho accused Paes of "should be in prison", generating the right to reply.
Updated Quaest Poll
- Eduardo Paes: 34%
- Douglas Ruas: 25%
- Anthony Garotinho: 9%
The difference between the top two fell from 13 to 9 points in a week. Garotinho's candidacy was rejected by the TRE due to a conviction for administrative improbity, with an appeal pending at the TSE.
The meeting highlighted a polarized scenario five days before the vote, with Paes maintaining the lead, but Ruas advancing in voting intentions.