Artists sign manifesto in support of Dilma.

247 - Dozens of renowned artists, including singers, composers, actors, and writers, as well as journalists and intellectuals, have signed a manifesto supporting the re-election of President Dilma Rousseff (PT) in October. "Brazilians are now deciding whether the path the country has been on since 2003 is positive and should be maintained, improved, and deepened, or whether we should return to the Brazil of before – the Brazil of unemployment, surrender, poverty, and humiliation," reads an excerpt from the text.

The manifesto, published on the website manifesto.dilma.com.brThey further state that "Brazil has never experienced such a profound and prolonged process of change and social justice, recognizing and ensuring the rights of those who have always been abandoned." The artists believe that "abandoning this path to return to economic formulas that protect the privileged as always would be a huge step backward."

"Brazilians have already paid too high a price to benefit speculators and the greedy. We cannot allow a return to the past and the elimination of social programs, stripping the State of its basic and fundamental responsibilities," the manifesto continues, emphasizing that Brazil needs to reformulate certain policies and deepen transformations, but that it needs to "change by moving forward, not backward." "The path begun by Lula and continued by Dilma is the path of spring for all Brazilians. That is why we support Dilma Rousseff," the text concludes.

Among the signatories are famous actors such as Osmar Prado, Paulo Betti, and Matheus Nachtergaele; music personalities like Chico Buarque; and singers Beth Carvalho and Zezé Motta. Writers include Fernando Morais and Luis Fernando Veríssimo, as well as intellectuals and journalists.