Public safety has become the absolute centerpiece of the electoral battle in the state of Rio de Janeiro. With 62% of voters deeply concerned about violence, candidates are deploying aggressive strategies to reclaim territories dominated by organized crime while proposing ambitious economic transformations to revitalize the region.

The campaign for the government of Rio de Janeiro has made it clear that territorial control is the top priority. According to data from the Quaest survey, 62% of voters identify public safety as the most critical issue facing the state. This alarming figure has forced the nine first-round candidates to center their platforms on the fight against organized crime.

The Electoral Pulse:

The FGV (Getulio Vargas Foundation) has confirmed that security was the topic with the highest impact and presence across social networks throughout the entire process.

High Stakes: André Marinho

Among the most disruptive proposals is that of André Marinho (Novo party), who has promoted the program “Sai Fuzil, Entra Brasil” (Out Rifles, In Brazil). This plan aims to reclaim 30 territories controlled by drug trafficking by the year 2030, combining tactical operations with a permanent State presence.

Regarding economy and infrastructure, Marinho proposes:

  • Reduction of the ICMS (a state-level value-added tax) from 22% to 18%.
  • Creation of eight economic hubs in the Metropolitan Arc connected by a monorail.
  • Implementation of the "Blue Line", a subway system connected to the iconic Rio-Niterói Bridge.

Shock Strategy: Anthony Garotinho

On the other hand, Anthony Garotinho (Republicanos party) has bet on a shock strategy called “Bope 2.0”. This refers to an enhanced version of the BOPE (the renowned Special Police Operations Battalion), destined for the permanent occupation of critical favelas (informal settlements) such as Maré, Alemão, Pedreira, and Salgueiro.

Sector Garotinho's Proposal
Economy Cut 12 billion reais in tax incentives.
Health Private partnerships to reduce Sisreg (Health Regulation System) queues and state-run night surgeries.
Education Ending automatic grade promotion and expanding full-time schools.
Transport Launching “super-fast ferries” as an alternative to the subway.

The full list of candidates who competed in this scenario also includes Eduardo Paes (PSD), Douglas Ruas (PL), William Siri (PSOL), Colonel Busnello (Missão), Cyro Garcia (PSTU), Juliete Pantoja (UP), and Luan Monteiro (PCO).

Source: IMAGO