Brazil

Liberalism & Youth in Partido NOVO’s National Meeting

On 15-16 August we participated in the National Meeting of Partido NOVO held in São Paulo. The convention gathered more than 2000 party leaders, including parliamentarians and mayors, members and supporters from across Brazil, making it an important moment for the liberal movement in the country.

The highlight of the meeting was the official announcement of Romeu Zema Neto’s candidacy for the Presidency of Brazil in 2026. As Governor of Minas Gerais, Zema has built a reputation for pragmatic leadership and successful administrative efficiency. His candidacy signals the emergence of a liberal alternative in Brazil’s polarized political environment, offering a vision of governance that is transparent, results-oriented, and rooted in individual responsibility.

Youth at the Heart of Liberal Politics

Representing the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Dr. Hans-Dieter Holtzmann, Project Director for Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, delivered a keynote speech on the role of liberalism and the centrality of youth in shaping Brazil’s future.

In his remarks, Holtzmann stressed that youth should not be seen only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as active protagonists in today’s political processes. He underlined three challenges facing young liberals worldwide: resisting the rise of populism, rebuilding public trust in politics through transparency and accountability, and demonstrating with tangible results that liberal policies improve people’s lives.

Holtzmann urged Partido NOVO to integrate young people fully into its decision-making processes, offering them platforms to design policies, lead campaigns, and communicate liberal ideas to broader audiences. As he concluded:

"O Brasil precisa de jovens liberais preparados, comprometidos e determinados a fazer a diferença. O Partido Novo tem a oportunidade de fortalecer essas novas vozes e ideias, e a Fundação Friedrich Naumann para a Liberdade estará sempre ao lado de vocês, como parceira na construção de um país mais livre e próspero."

His message resonated strongly with the many young members present at the convention, whose visible energy and engagement highlighted the party’s capacity to renew Brazilian politics from within.

A Space for Ideas and Strategy

The meeting’s agenda combined strategic discussions with inspirational addresses. Panels explored key issues such as public security, federalism, and institutional reform, alongside sessions dedicated to the advancement of women and youth in politics. The participation of established leaders and emerging voices alike reflected NOVO’s effort to build a party that is both principle-based and forward-looking.

While Romeu Zema’s presidential candidacy was the central announcement, the convention also served as a platform for exchange and preparation. The debates provided members with tools and strategies, reinforcing the conviction that liberal principles can and must translate into effective public policies.

Strengthening International Cooperation

On the margins of the convention, Holtzmann held bilateral meetings with key leaders of NOVO. In his conversation with Romeu Zema Neto, the focus was on Brazil’s economic outlook and the potential for cooperation with Germany and Europe in areas such as governance, innovation, and trade including, most importantly, the ratification of the EU-Mercosur agreement.

A meeting with São Paulo city councilor Cris Monteiro underscored the importance of collaboration at the municipal level, particularly in the fields of transparency, urban governance, and international exchange.

These discussions reaffirmed FNF’s role as a liberal bridge between Europe and Latin America, committed to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

The National Meeting of Partido NOVO demonstrated the vitality of liberal ideas in Brazil and the growing determination to offer citizens an alternative grounded in freedom, responsibility, and integrity. It showed a party that combines experienced leadership with the dynamism of a new generation of members, while also opening itself to a dialogue with international partners.

For the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, participation in this gathering reaffirmed our commitment to supporting liberal actors in Brazil and across Latin America. In times of political polarization and institutional strain, fostering youth leadership and strengthening international ties are essential for building more open, prosperous, and democratic societies.

The São Paulo meeting provided a glimpse of such a future: a Brazil where liberalism is not only defended in principle but practiced in action, led by a new generation determined to shape the present focusing on the challenges and opportunities of the country - a Brazil NOVO.