Lula: It is possible to fight corruption without bankrupting companies.
In a meeting with social movements of the Popular Brazil Front, this Tuesday (2), in Natal, former president Lula stated that the processes against corruption – which have advanced in Brazil thanks to laws and reforms introduced in his government – must punish those responsible, whether businessmen or politicians, preserving companies and workers' jobs; "I just want to know who will bring bread, milk, who will pay the electricity bill, who will take care of millions and millions who are becoming unemployed. It is possible to fight corruption with more intelligence," he said; at the event, he reiterated that Brazil is "being the victim of a parliamentary coup."
247 - In a meeting with social movements of the Popular Brazil Front, this Tuesday (2), in Natal, former president Lula stated that Brazil is “being the victim of a parliamentary coup”. He recalled that the deputies, senators and vice-president Michel Temer know that President Dilma Rousseff has not committed any crime. But they are carrying out the impeachment process because they believe that “the easiest way to get to the government is by staging a coup”.
Lula also stated that the anti-corruption processes – which have advanced in Brazil thanks to laws and reforms introduced during his administration – must punish those responsible, whether businesspeople or politicians, while preserving businesses and workers' jobs.
"I just want to know who will bring bread, milk, who will pay the electricity bill, who will take care of the millions and millions who are becoming unemployed," he said, referring to the crisis in the shipbuilding industry, which has already laid off more than 40 workers. "It is possible to fight corruption with more intelligence," he stated.
Natal is the second stop for former President Lula on another trip to the Northeast, after passing through Fortaleza. In addition to meeting with the Popular Brazil Front, Lula will participate in the launch of Mineiro's (PT) candidacy for mayor of Natal. On Wednesday (3), Lula will be in Bahia.
Below are the main excerpts from the speech:
"What mistake did we make in this country? Our mistake was saying that workers had rights?"
"Was it because we believed that a worker could be president of the Republic?"
"I wanted to prove that this country would only improve if it were governed by someone who knew every region, from Oiapoque to Chuí."
"In 12 years we managed to prove that we could do what they couldn't do in 100."
"The Brazilian elite never cared that the poor studied. For them, the poor were tools of labor."
"I'll never forget when Bush called me for a chat. He wanted to wage war against Iraq, and I replied: my war is against hunger."
"The Northeast is experiencing one of the worst droughts, and I haven't heard of any children dying of hunger or thirst."
"They're angry because so many qualified economists governed, and it took an illiterate person to do what they never managed to do."
"We were able to prove that it is possible to distribute income, increase wages, and generate many jobs."
"We transformed Petrobras into the second largest oil company in the world."
"Is it possible to fight corruption without bankrupting companies? Is it necessary to investigate corruption without generating unemployment? I think so."
"The moment we are going through doesn't discourage me. It encourages me more."
"Don't be afraid of Lula, Lula is already 70 years old. Be afraid of these youngsters who are emerging now."
To listen to the speech, go to here.