In a significant move for the 2026 Brazilian presidential race, the Avante party has officially launched the pre-candidacy of renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author Augusto Cury. The announcement was made at a major event in Belo Horizonte, marking Cury's first-ever venture into electoral politics at the age of 67.
Party president and federal deputy Luís Tibé framed the candidacy as a deliberate challenge to the nation's deep political rifts. He emphasized that Cury's campaign is designed to be "antipolarization," offering a distinct alternative to the traditional left-right divide that has characterized recent elections. Tibé highlighted Cury's extensive network and his intention to assemble a diverse team of experts, including economists with differing viewpoints, to craft a national project rather than adhering to a single ideological dogma.
During his launch speech, Augusto Cury outlined a vision centered on uniting economic efficiency with human sensitivity. He pledged to focus on job creation and, more specifically, on fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across the country. His ambitious proposal includes establishing 10,000 entrepreneurship schools in communities, favelas, churches, and public schools, supported by a dedicated "entrepreneur's bank" to nurture dreams.
Cury also addressed pressing social issues, voicing strong support for women's empowerment, the fight against femicide, and the protection of minority rights. He stressed the importance of preserving freedom of expression and human rights, calling for national unity to rescue young people who are without education or employment.
Using a powerful maritime metaphor, Cury argued against the perception of a divided nation. "We are not in two boats, one on the right and one on the left. We are in one boat," he stated. He warned that those steering the "ship called Brazil" must do so with generosity, altruism, and intelligence, lest others take the helm. He condemned ideological warfare, urging Brazilians not to treat each other as enemies to be destroyed.
Augusto Cury brings a unique profile to the political stage. Born in Colina, São Paulo, he is a medical psychiatrist, researcher, and the author of self-help bestsellers that have sold over 40 million copies worldwide and been translated into numerous languages. His entry adds another name to a growing list of pre-candidates for 2026, which includes President Lula, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, and former governors Romeu Zema and Ronaldo Caiado, among others.
The Avante party did not field a presidential candidate in the 2022 election, making this launch a strategic return to the national contest with a figure aiming to transcend partisan battles.
Based on reporting from g1.