Gusttavo Lima, a renowned sertanejo singer, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of Brazil, setting the stage for what could be one of the most discussed elections of 2026. Lima revealed his intentions during an exclusive interview with Metrópoles on January 2, 2025, stating, "O Brasil precisa de alternativas. Estou cansado de ver o povo passar necessidade sem poder fazer muito para ajudar." (Brazil needs alternatives. I am tired of seeing the people suffer without being able to help much.)
The singer emphasized his desire to move past the traditional left-right political dichotomy, explaining his view on national unity: "Chega dessa história de direita e de esquerda. Não é sobre isso, é sobre fazer um gesto para o país, no sentido de colocar o meu conhecimento em benefício de um projeto para unir a população." (Enough of this right and left story. It’s not about this; it’s about making a gesture for the country, to put my knowledge to benefit a project to unite the population.) This perspective positions him as a potential alternative to the established political figures currently dominating Brazil's political arena.
Lima’s entry is particularly notable as he has previously supported former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose administration has faced significant scrutiny. While Lima did not confirm any explicit backing from Bolsonaro for his candidacy, he remains aligned with certain political figures, including Ronaldo Caiado, the governor of Goiás, who has also expressed ambitions for the presidency.
Interestingly, Lima has yet to affiliate with any political party. He has mentioned his intent to engage with various political groups to discuss his potential entry and collaboration. Lima's entrepreneurial background sets him apart from typical political candidates, saying, "Conheço muita gente e, embora eu nunca tenha ocupado nenhum posto político, eu sou um empreendedor. Montei muitas empresas e sei como fazer para a roda girar." (I know many people, and even though I have never held any political office, I am an entrepreneur. I have set up many businesses and know how to make things work.)
This business acumen may resonate with voters tired of political stagnation and bureaucracy, as he also articulated the need for reducing red tape to help alleviate economic burdens. He stated, "Os pobres estão sem poder de compra, e o setor do agronegócio não aguenta mais pagar impostos e não ter benfeitorias para investir em seus próprios negócios." (The poor lack purchasing power, and the agribusiness sector can no longer afford to pay taxes without any improvements to invest back in their own businesses.)
On another front, Lima has seen his reputation tested following investigations related to online gambling operations. He was previously under scrutiny for laundering money as part of inquiries connected to the gambling platform Vaidebet. Lima faced potential arrest, but the judicial system intervened, and the Pernambuco Public Ministry eventually advocated for the closure of investigations due to insufficient evidence against him, allowing him to move forward unencumbered by legal issues.
The singer's duality as both entertainer and potential political leader raises questions about the intersection of fame and governance. His ability to attract attention through his musical career gives him visibility, but whether he can translate this fame effectively to political clout remains to be seen.
For many Brazilians, the allure of Gusttavo Lima as a presidential candidate rests on his narrative of rising from humble beginnings; he remarked, "Vim de uma condição bastante humilde, cheguei a perder três dentes, mas, claro, tive condições de me tratar, condição que muita gente não tem." (I came from very humble conditions, I even lost three teeth, but of course, I had the means to treat myself, something many people don’t have.)
This personal story could resonate with millions of Brazilians who face socioeconomic hardships. While his foray may prompt skepticism due to lack of political experience, it also taps deep-rooted frustrations with the current political establishment’s failure to address systemic inequalities and economic woes directly.
How Gusttavo Lima’s candidacy will change the political dialogue as Brazil moves closer to the 2026 elections remains uncertain. But what is clear is his passionate call for alternatives, unity, and action. The expectations are now set for Lima to navigate the complex political waters and see if he can transform his vision for Brazil’s future from aspiration to reality.