The six best-positioned candidates in Brazil's presidential polls are proposing partnerships with neighboring countries and investment in technology to fight organized crime in border regions, according to a review by G1 based on government platforms filed with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). Lula (PT), Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Renan Santos (Missão), Romeu Zema (Novo) and Augusto Cury (Avante) submitted their proposals when registering their candidacies ahead of October's election.
Public safety ranks among voters' top concerns in opinion polls, and the candidates argue that stronger federal presence at the borders, working alongside neighboring countries' authorities, would make the fight against organized crime more effective. The issue has gained urgency amid a string of recent operations: in July, Brazil's Federal Police launched an action against suspects in human trafficking on the border with Guyana; in June, another federal operation arrested suspects in fuel smuggling on the border with Bolivia; and, also in June, federal highway police seized 26 rifles, 16 pistols and thousands of rounds of ammunition in western Paraná state, near the border with Paraguay, aboard a truck that reportedly left Argentina bound for Minas Gerais.
What each candidate proposes
Lula backs river and air patrols by the armed forces, investment in radar, drones, sensors and satellite imagery, plus international cooperation with neighboring countries. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, proposes creating a National Border System bringing together the Army, Navy and Air Force, with investment in intelligence and technology for military operations and expanded cooperation against cross-border environmental crimes. Ronaldo Caiado, governor of Goiás state, wants to create a National Border Command involving the armed forces, Federal Police, federal highway police and state forces, using artificial intelligence and remotely piloted aircraft.
Renan Santos offers the most institutionally ambitious proposal: an 'Inter-American Pact Against Organized Crime' led by Brazil, a Central Operations Center for Latin America, and a specialized international tribunal for transnational crime. Romeu Zema, governor of Minas Gerais, calls for coordination with the United States and South American countries against factions he classifies as terrorist organizations, including shared intelligence and joint action against financial and operational networks that cross borders. Augusto Cury proposes strengthening cooperation with international bodies and neighboring countries to combat international trafficking, financial crimes, terrorism, money laundering and transnational criminal organizations.
While all six converge on the need for external partnerships and technology, their plans differ widely in detail and institutional scope, ranging from operational reinforcements at existing borders to the creation of entirely new federal commands and international mechanisms. The topic is expected to remain part of the campaign debate through October's vote as candidates flesh out their public safety platforms.