Paraná Assembly president Alexandre Curi left the PSD and joined the Republicanos on Wednesday, April 1, aiming for the state governorship. The switch comes amid negotiations for Governor Ratinho Júnior's succession. Curi says the move strengthens his alliance with the incumbent.
Alexandre Curi, president of the Paraná Legislative Assembly and longtime ally of Governor Ratinho Júnior (PSD), announced his switch to the Republicanos on April 1. The move aims to bolster his pre-candidacy for the Palácio Iguaçu in the 2026 election, after waiting in vain for the governor's endorsement in the PSD, where he vied with Guto Silva and Rafael Greca.
Rafael Greca, former Curitiba mayor, also recently left the PSD, joining the MDB to join the race. Curi, however, keeps negotiations alive and anticipates Ratinho Júnior's support, potentially teaming up with Greca or running for Senate.
In a social media post, Curi called the affiliation the start of a "new chapter" in his career, with no break: "Pelo contrário: reafirma a responsabilidade de seguir contribuindo com um projeto que transformou o nosso estado, com equilíbrio, diálogo e foco em resultados concretos para a população".
Ratinho Júnior is seeking a consensus candidacy from his base to counter Sergio Moro (PL). Guto Silva is the favored name, despite internal resistance and poor poll performance. The governor approached Curitiba Mayor Eduardo Pimentel (PSD), who declined: "Fui eleito há pouco tempo para ser prefeito de Curitiba e tenho um compromisso com a cidade".
