João Dionisio Filgueira Barreto Amoêdo (born 22 October 1962) is a Brazilian engineer, entrepreneur and politician known for helping to found the New Party (Partido Novo). Trained as an engineer and active for many years in the private sector, Amoêdo gained national prominence after entering party politics and standing as his party's candidate in the 2018 presidential election. He served as president of the New Party between September 2015 and July 2017.
Background and career
Amoêdo's early career was in the technical and financial realms. He built a reputation as a private-sector manager and entrepreneur before moving into organized politics. Observers describe his trajectory as a shift from business to public life, driven by a desire to translate private-sector practices into political reform and administrative change.
Founding the New Party
He is one of the founders of the New Party (Partido Novo), a political grouping that emphasizes economic liberalism, fiscal responsibility and a reduced role for the state in certain sectors. In party structures he held leadership roles early on and was president from September 2015 until July 2017, helping to create the party's statutes, candidate selection methods and public image.
2018 presidential campaign
In 2018 Amoêdo was the New Party's presidential nominee. His campaign highlighted proposals for administrative reform, market-oriented economic policies and anti-corruption measures. The campaign brought greater visibility to the New Party and to debates about private-sector influence and political renewal in Brazil.
Political positions and public image
Amoêdo is commonly associated with advocacy for smaller government, deregulation in selected industries and professional management of public services. Supporters see him as a reform-minded outsider; critics have questioned how market-based prescriptions would address social inequality and public welfare needs. His profile blends technical expertise with a pro-business orientation.
Notable facts
- Full name: João Dionisio Filgueira Barreto Amoêdo.
- Born 22 October 1962.
- Co-founder and early president of Partido Novo.
- 2018 presidential candidate for the New Party.
For more on his public statements and policy proposals see profiles and interviews available through news archives and party materials. He is often described in media coverage by his professional origins — as an engineer, a private-sector entrepreneur and an active politician.