Appointed officials summoned.
Recife's Secretary of Education, Ivone Caetano, already notified by the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) for premature campaigning, led an event with activists and city hall officials in support of Mayor João da Costa's reelection campaign. The event was captured by the Jornal do Commercio newspaper.
Beatriz Braga _PE247 - “A private event, without electoral connotation”, was the description given by the Secretary of Education, Ivone Caetano, to the Jornal do Commercio about the meeting, yesterday (28), between part of João da Costa's (PT) group and his militants - many occupying commissioned positions in the City Hall - , at the headquarters of the Civil Police Union (Sinpol), in Santo Amaro. The definition of the event, however, does not match the content of the speeches made at the place, transcribed in excerpts by the report.
Ivone Caetano herself reportedly based her speech on the political motivation of the activists, asking for help in interacting with the rest of the population and reminding them of the hefty municipal budget planned for 2013. The secretary also didn't forget to ask those present to be cautious so as not to fall under the scrutiny of the Electoral Court.
“The activist, whether partisan or not, cannot stand idly by and watch certain attitudes, letting others decide. Our city has a budget of R$ 5 billion for next year, which is why the race for mayor is so fierce. We cannot allow this coup; we have to do a painstaking, step-by-step job,” he stated, beginning his speech. And, cautiously, he warned: “We have to be very careful about what we say after we leave here so as not to risk being investigated by the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office.”
The secretary also mentioned that journalists were not welcome last night. "We have to ensure that this project remains in the hands of those in charge; we need to help the mayor by convincing neighbors and family members that this fight is not lost. I hope there are no journalists here," she stated.
Mayor João da Costa also made an appearance, receiving a standing ovation from those present. As expected, the Workers' Party member reaffirmed his commitment to continuity and reminded activists of the strength of the political group in winning over the population.
"The activists are the main reason for this party's existence, and we cannot accept that. It is the activists who convince the citizens," the mayor emphasized.
Apparently, the goal of yesterday's meeting was to bring the activists into an even closer relationship with the mayor's reelection project. All those present were asked to fill out a form with their personal information (phone number, email, and mobile phone carrier), without regard to their professional or sectoral affiliations.