Aloysio Nunes Joins PSB, Signaling Shift in São Paulo’s Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Elections
Aloysio Nunes joins the Brazilian Socialist Party after 27 years with PSDB, marking a significant political shift in São Paulo ahead of the 2026 elections.
- • Aloysio Nunes left PSDB after 27 years due to dissatisfaction with its bolsonarismo alignment.
- • His PSB membership announcement will be formalized on October 26, 2026, in São Paulo.
- • Nunes has held key political roles including Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs.
- • The move reflects broader political uncertainty and divisions in São Paulo heading into the 2026 elections.
Key details
The Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) announced on June 23, 2026, the affiliation of former senator and minister Aloysio Nunes, formerly with the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) for 27 years. His official membership will be formalized on October 26 at the São Paulo Legislative Assembly. Nunes left PSDB in June 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s increasing alignment with bolsonarismo, describing it as a "supporting line" for such ideology.
Nunes’ political career is notable, having served as Minister of Justice under Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Minister of Foreign Affairs during Michel Temer’s government. He was also the vice-presidential candidate in 2014 alongside Aécio Neves. At the moment, Nunes leads strategic affairs at ApexBrasil in Brussels and is now aligning politically with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who similarly left PSDB in 2021 to join PSB.
PSB emphasized Nunes’ long-standing dedication to democracy and Brazilian institutions, highlighting that his experience and public spirit would strengthen the party’s ranks. This move occurs amid a politically charged environment in São Paulo, where internal divisions and uncertainty surround figures like Tarcísio de Freitas and Gilberto Kassab. These dynamics hint at the complex political realignments ahead of the 2026 elections in the state.
The affiliation illustrates a broader trend of shifting political loyalties in São Paulo, as key players recalibrate their positions ahead of critical electoral contests. Aloysio Nunes’ departure from PSDB and embrace of PSB mark a significant moment in this evolving landscape.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
