Baldy backs down for the sake of unity in the leadership of the PSDB.

Governor Marconi Perillo received at the Palácio das Esmeraldas the support of the six federal deputies from the PSDB (Giuseppe Vecci, Delegado Waldir, Fábio Sousa, Célio Silveira, João Campos and Alexandre Baldy) for the consensual selection of the president of the state executive committee of the party. The new executive committee will be elected on Sunday, immediately after the convention confirms the new state directory, in an event that will take place at the Legislative Assembly.

The PSDB's federal caucus launched Alexandre Baldy's candidacy for party president, but, faced with restrictions from various segments, the congressman informed the governor of his withdrawal from the race. In the meeting, Baldy said he was stepping away from the contest to contribute to maintaining the "internal unity" of the PSDB in Goiás. "I will not be an obstacle at this moment of convergence to keep the PSDB ever stronger," the federal congressman justified.

Alexandre Baldy's candidacy for the presidency of the PSDB party began to falter when state deputies, including Nélio Leite, Iso Moreira, and Mané de Oliveira, publicly rejected his name. Contributing to the weakening of Baldy's project were criticisms leveled at the work carried out by Secretary Ana Carla Abrão (Finance) regarding the deadlines for tax collection by businesses.

Congressman Célio Silveira said that the federal caucus gave the governor "carte blanche" to shape the new executive committee of the PSDB in Goiás, including the selection of its president. "The federal congressmen made it clear to Marconi Perillo that they are in the same boat as the party and the government. Our contribution is to prepare the PSDB to arrive even stronger in the mayoral and city council elections in 2016."

By Sunday, the PSDB party will decide on the name of the president who will succeed Paulo de Jesus. Among those appearing in the running are former state deputy and current director of Saneago, Afrêni Gonçalves, and the governor's special advisor, João Meirelles. Both have "free access" to Governor Marconi Perillo.

In his conversation with federal deputies, the governor expressed his intention to inaugurate important infrastructure, health, and education projects by December, including the Sports Excellence Center, Hugo-2, the Credeq in Aparecida de Goiânia, and the Anápolis Convention Center.

The PSDB federal deputies invited the governor to a meeting with the party's federal caucus, since, according to Célio Silveira, the PSDB members have "great admiration" for Marconi Perillo. There are 54 PSDB deputies in the Federal Chamber.

Federal Deputy Giuseppe Vecci considered the conversation with Governor Marconi Perillo "productive." "We defend the same goals, that is, the well-being of the population of Goiás. Therefore, it is only natural that federal deputies and the governor should converge on projects that contribute to the development of the State and the improvement of people's quality of life."

Appeal 

In response to appeals from his colleagues in the federal caucus, Alexandre Baldy withdrew his candidacy for the presidency of the PSDB party. He justified his decision by stating that he wanted to contribute to strengthening the party in the state.

For him, the important thing is that there was "extensive internal debate" about the direction of the PSDB in the state.

The congressman maintains that, whichever name is chosen by the convention on Sunday, it will have the support of all segments of the party.

Baldy praises Governor Marconi Perillo's stance in offering to contribute to the formation of the new PSDB directory, adhering to the criteria of "cohesion and unity," and seeking to strengthen the party.

The congressman from the PSDB party says his name is available to the party for a possible run for mayor of Anápolis, but that this matter will only be discussed starting in January of next year.

For him, discussing elections this year is unproductive, because the population expects politicians to take action to solve their demands, such as creating more jobs and income, and improving infrastructure services, like paving streets and avenues in cities.

Alexandre Baldy expects that, with the completion of the state's infrastructure projects in Anápolis, the PSDB will be even stronger to face the polls next year in the race for Mayor of Anápolis. (Helton Lenine/DM)