César: "I don't believe the PR will break with Dilma"

The Minister of Transport denies any speculation that his party might not support President Dilma Rousseff's reelection bid in 2014; "Everything points to the party supporting her in the 2014 elections"; César Borges analyzes the drop in the government's approval rating after the popular demonstrations and rejects the opposition's claim that the president and the PT (Workers' Party) would be the most affected; "Not at all. The drop in the president's approval rating was circumstantial, and polls already show a recovery in public confidence. When the moment of the demonstrations passes, people begin to analyze things in a calmer way," says the Republican.

August 26, 2013, 16:54 PMUpdated May 27, 2019, 08:58 AM

The Minister of Transport leaves no room for speculation that his party might not support President Dilma Rousseff's reelection bid in 2014; "Everything points to the party supporting her in the 2014 elections"; César Borges analyzes the drop in the government's approval rating after the popular demonstrations and rejects the opposition's claim that the president and the PT (Workers' Party) would be the most affected; "Not at all. The drop in the president's approval rating was circumstantial, and polls already show a recovery in public confidence. When the moment of the demonstrations passes, people begin to analyze things in a calmer way," says the Republican (Photo: Romulo Faro).

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The former president of the PR party in Bahia, and current Minister of Transport, César Borges, does not share the rumors that the party might not support President Dilma Rousseff's reelection bid in 2014, as had been speculated since the fall of the former minister and national president of the party, Alfredo Nascimento.

"I honestly don't believe that the PR will break off relations with the president. Everything points to the party supporting her in the 2014 elections," César said in an interview with Metrópole radio this Monday.

The minister analyzed the drop in the government's approval rating after the popular demonstrations that took to the streets of the country last June and rejected the opposition's claim that President Dilma and the PT (Workers' Party) would be the most affected.

"Absolutely not. That wave of popular protests caused a drop in the popularity of all leaders, from mayors to the president. The president's drop in approval ratings was circumstantial, and polls are already showing a recovery in public confidence. When the moment of protest passes, people begin to analyze things in a calmer way. That's how it was with me. I faced a major strike by the Military Police (in 2001), and my government's approval ratings fell. But then my approval ratings went up again."

The minister made a point of highlighting his good relationship with Dilma. "She has always been very affable with me in personal dealings. In fact, Dilma likes to listen to advice and has even called me, along with some other ministers, to discuss certain issues. She always addresses any and all matters in a direct and honest way; I've never had any problems with the president."

Former governor and senator of Bahia, César Borges, says the position of minister is a unique phase in his political career. "It's a great challenge that requires a great deal of political experience to face. Now, I'm not just thinking about Bahia, I'm thinking about the whole of Brazil. It's the biggest challenge of my life."

And to conclude, the Republican returned to the subject of the difficulties in obtaining environmental permits for large projects and the demands of regulatory bodies in general. "Getting a project off the ground these days is a huge undertaking."