Augusto Cury announces pre-candidacy for President and releases open letter to the nation

Well folks, the Brazilian political scene just got a whole lot more interesting. On the night of this Wednesday, 4 March 2026, psychiatrist and author Augusto Cury decided to step out of the therapist's chair and into the political arena. The man behind classics that have helped millions of Brazilians get a handle on their anxiety – like "The Dream Seller" and "Anxiety: Facing the Scourge of the Century" – posted an open letter on social media announcing his pre-candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic. And let's be honest, it's not every day you see a bloke who teaches us how to manage our emotions wanting to manage the country.

Anyone who's read a book by Augusto Cury knows he doesn't muck about. The psychiatrist, who has over 30 published works and is considered one of the most-read authors of the decade, has always hammered home the importance of emotional intelligence and the need to rethink our roles in society. Now, he wants to take that conversation to the Planalto Palace. In the letter, Cury lets rip against what he calls "political theatre" and criticises the polarisation that, according to him, "paralyses the country and makes its people sick".

The tone of the document is classic Cury: philosophical, direct, and with a hint of provocation. He argues that politics needs to be renewed based on emotional management and existential intelligence. In plain English: instead of power struggles, he wants to put emotional education at the heart of the debate. And fair enough, it makes a kind of sense, doesn't it? At a time when everyone's mental health is stretched to the limit, the idea of a president who understands anxiety and stress could really resonate with voters tired of the usual back-and-forth.

One detail that stands out is that Augusto Cury isn't affiliated with any party – at least for now. In the letter, he makes it clear he's not asking for a party ticket, but rather putting himself out there to be approached by groups willing to have a conversation "outside the box". It's a bold move: instead of joining a potentially tarnished party, he's throwing down the gauntlet to the parties themselves. Who's going to want to back a candidate who talks about "reinventing politics" and appeals to voters who often steer clear of conventional debates? Only time will tell.

The reaction on social media, of course, was a mixed bag of surprise, memes, and genuine support. Some people are quick to point out that Brazil has elected a president without a party before (and we saw how that went), but there's also a crowd excited by the prospect of a leader who, at least on paper, understands human behaviour. After all, if politics is made by people and for people, why not have a psychiatrist in charge?

If you've been keeping up with current events, you've probably seen "Augusto Cury" trending since the announcement. And it's no coincidence. His name, already a fixture in bookshops, is now making waves in political discussions. The author is pinning his hopes on issues like:

• Emotional education in schools – an old cause of his, gaining traction in a country with high rates of bullying and youth depression.
• Mental health in the public system – proposals to expand psychological care through the SUS (public health system), something always talked about but rarely actioned.
• Ending toxic polarisation – a message that appeals to both left and right, weary of extremism.

Now we wait for the next instalment. Will parties come knocking on the psychiatrist's door? Can he turn virtual enthusiasm into real votes? One thing's for sure: with Augusto Cury in the mix, the 2026 election promises to involve a bit more reflection (and maybe a bit less shouting) than we're used to. Keep your eyes peeled, because this story is guaranteed to fuel plenty of pub chats and, who knows, maybe even some real change.