Caiado criticizes opponents' absence at first presidential debate of 2026

Ronaldo Caiado, the presidential candidate from the PSD, criticized the absence of opponents during the first presidential debate held by TV Band on August 23, 2026. According to Caiado, those who do not attend debates show weakness, referring to them as "runaways" and claiming they are "running, getting scared, and popping out."

The debate featured Caiado, Renan Santos (Missão), and Augusto Cury (Avante). Although planned to attend, Romeu Zema (Novo) announced his withdrawal from the event, leaving the podiums empty for absent candidates, including Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).

During the meeting, the candidates took the opportunity to highlight their proposals and personalities. Caiado, for instance, emphasized his Goiás roots, while Renan Santos adopted a more rhetorical approach. Cury also made an effort to grab voters' attention, though the nature of the debate was criticized, being referred to as a "debate fluke" in some reports.

The debate was organized by the Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicação and took place at the network's studios in São Paulo. According to reports, the event aimed to provide a space for discussion of ideas among the candidates and their proposals for the 2026 elections.

The candidates present mentioned Lula's absence, who is one of the most prominent contenders in the presidential race. The lack of major political figures at the debate became a key topic of discussion among the participants, who seized the opportunity to criticize the situation.

Ernesto Paglia, the debate moderator, questioned Caiado about his stance on crime fighting, one of the central themes in the electoral campaigns. Thus, the debate served both to allow candidates to present their views on important issues and to highlight the significance of participation in debates following the withdrawal of some competitors.