Damares Alves denies that he will join the PL after Valdemar's statement: 'Never'

The exchange of statements occurs amidst efforts by Republicans to support former first lady and senator-elect Michelle Bolsonaro (PL-DF). Damares denied that he will change his acronym and confirmed that there is an effort to attract Michelle. The former first lady won 38,496 votes and will assume the seat in 2027.

Republican leaders, including the national president of the party, Marcos Pereira, have already said publicly that the former first lady would be welcome to the party. Michelle plays a central role in PL and was recently invited to return to command PL Mulheres.

On Tuesday (3), when questioned by the portal "Metrópoles", about the movement of the Republicans, Valdemar classified the articulation as "nonsense" and stated that the PL would be affiliated with Damares. "We're going to bring Damares," he said.

Valdemar stated that the affiliation would be finalized "soon", but avoided detailing the negotiations. "I can't say more," he declared.

Damares already holds a mandate in the Senate for the Federal District. Michelle was elected this year with 38,496 votes (29%), the highest vote in the history of the DF, and will take up a seat in the House in 2027. The two are important leaders on the right, especially among women.

At the head of PL Mulheres, Michelle worked to mobilize voters and expand the female presence in the party. According to the former first lady herself, the number of women affiliated to the party doubled during her administration, between 2023 and June 2026.

Michelle is seen as a name that can take a leading role in opposing the Lula government, especially after the flight of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) to the United States. Defeated by the PT member in the presidential election, Flávio left a leadership vacuum on the right. In addition to the former first lady, the re-elected governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), is highlighted as a possible leader in this field.

Last week, Michelle defended Tarcísio on social media and stated that Jair Bolsonaro is grateful to him. The governor had been the target of attacks from Bolsonaro supporters after publicly admitting the possibility of running for President of the Republic in 2030.