And then José Dirceu appears.
Without informing anyone, the former Chief of Staff arrived at the PT's national executive meeting being held at the party headquarters in São Paulo to observe the process that will decide who will be the party's candidate in Recife; it's worth noting that Dirceu and Senator Humberto Costa, who could be nominated, are not on good terms.
PE247 – As if the tension surrounding the upcoming decision by the PT's national executive committee regarding the Recife mayoral succession wasn't enough, former Chief of Staff José Dirceu has further heightened expectations for the outcome of this imbroglio. Without informing anyone, the member of the PT's National Directorate showed up at the meeting being held at the party's national headquarters in São Paulo to observe the process. But with what interest? In PT circles, it's common to hear comments that the strongman of former President Lula's first government doesn't much like Senator Humberto Costa, the current consensus candidate indicated by the PT leadership to end the internal conflicts in Recife.
And, to add even more spice to this already thick broth, José Dirceu met this morning with Mayor João da Costa, who is seeking the approval of his candidacy for re-election. At the meeting, the member of the National Directorate reportedly pledged to help his party colleague, who took into account the strong influence of his "comrade" over the members of the executive committee.
Besides not liking Senator Humberto Costa very much, the former minister also has, let's say, a great deal of distrust regarding the national ambitions of the governor of Pernambuco, Eduardo Campos (PSB), one of the sponsors of the parliamentarian's candidacy. According to reports, José Dirceu would not have liked the prospect of the PT losing a Senate seat to a socialist. If Humberto is elected mayor of Recife, former governor Joaquim Francisco (PSB) would assume the seat as first alternate.
However, would José Dirceu be going against former president Lula in this case, who, although he hasn't publicly stated it, is inclined to support Humberto Costa's candidacy?
The national executive meeting started an hour and forty minutes late. There's a promise that the discussions will continue into the night.