Eduardo Amorim tries to build a new image of himself.

Valter Lima, from Sergipe 247 – The interview that Senator Eduardo Amorim (PSC) gave to Jornal da Cidade this Sunday/Monday (May 5th and 6th) is riddled with denials. First, he does not confirm his candidacy for Governor in 2014 (something natural, one might consider); second, he says that he does not use his position as senator as a springboard for the race for governor; third, he rejects the idea that his weekly trips to the interior have an electoral purpose; fourth, he affirms that there is no fear in the possible entry of Mayor João Alves Filho (DEM) into the 2014 race; fifth, he denies that his brother, Edivan Amorim, is his main advisor or mentor in the act of doing politics; sixth, he says that the opposition practiced by his group is not "angry".

Idiosyncrasies aside, what can be inferred from Senator Eduardo Amorim's statements to JC is that, strategically, he is trying to present himself in a new way, one that is dissociated from the common perception in Sergipe society regarding his profile. Because what is thought and assessed about the future PSC candidate is precisely everything he denied in the interview.

It is known that one day after his victory in the 2010 Senate race, Eduardo was automatically elevated to the status of pre-candidate for governor. And all the steps he has taken since then, including his work as a senator and the tireless trips he makes throughout the interior, point towards this mandate for the State Executive. Who doesn't remember the collection of signatures for the construction of the Cancer Hospital? At that time, the newly elected senator was still an ally of Governor Marcelo Déda (PT), which made the campaign pointless, were it not for its electoral bias.

Furthermore, it is equally noticeable that the fear of João Alves' candidacy for Governor next year weighs heavily on the group led by Edivan and Eduardo. This alone justifies the fear of criticism of the new mayor of the capital, the inappropriateness of the interview that Edivan gave last month to radio host and alternate state deputy Gilmar Carvalho (PR), and the absolute silence regarding the group's non-participation in the municipal administration.   

Similarly, it's naive to believe that anyone will trust the senator's complete autonomy in relation to his brother. Edivan, even without a political mandate, is the main leader of the group of a dozen parties, headed by the PSC. He is the one consulted by party members when making decisions. Eduardo, of course, has his own personality and way of acting politically, but behind him, the one who operates strategically is Edivan. That's a fact!  

It is strange (very strange) to still claim that the opposition to the Marcelo Déda (PT) government is not angry. One only needs to listen to the radio program of the substitute state deputy Gilmar Carvalho (PR), the interviews of any member of the opposition, or even the sessions of the Legislative Assembly to see this premise crumble. The disapproval of Proinveste last year is the most visceral example.

However, one cannot disregard the intelligent strategy of the group in trying to implant a new profile in Eduardo: that of an independent, unassuming, objective, moderately critical, courageous, selfless, and committed politician – the latter two characteristics even defined by the senator himself when comparing himself to João Alves Filho. Having worked on the discourse, it's time to put it into practice. Will he succeed?

Below are the main excerpts from the interview given to journalist Eugênio Nascimento:

CITY NEWSPAPER - Do you really intend to run for governor of Sergipe in 2014? What remains to be decided?  

EDUARDO AMORIM - I think it's too early to define this issue. And since I understand that holding office doesn't automatically mean thinking about another, I prefer to focus on my current obligations. Among them, seizing all possible opportunities, as well as creating them when necessary, to do my best for our State, our municipalities, and our Country. Life has always taught me to act this way, because when you are born into simplicity, you are led to act this way.

JC - If the mayor of Aracaju, João Alves Filho (DEM), is still in the race, would you still be willing to enter the election?  

EA - I also learned not to be afraid to enter any dispute, especially when the mission is to fight for and defend what is good. Regarding the state government, as I said, it's too early. And nobody will win by default, because there will always be candidates, which is very healthy, as it enriches the debate, guarantees more options for the population, and strengthens democracy. João Alves, Jackson, Valadares, someone from the PT, PSOL, PSTU, someone from our political group, or any legally qualified citizen, there will certainly always be candidates. So, for those who have projects, new and good ideas, and a willingness to work, remaining willing to compete, while maintaining respect and consideration for people when defending their ideas and proposals, is part of the process.

JC - What brings you closer to and what distances you from Mayor João Alves Filho regarding a possible alliance in 2014?  

EA - It's difficult to talk about 2014 now. But I can say that what brings us closer to João Alves is that we were together in the last campaign. We supported his election as mayor of Aracaju. And I even served as João's secretary. These are certainly points of convergence. And even considering that we are different people, or even remembering that we were on different platforms at a specific moment, there's no denying that, in terms of selflessness and commitment to public life, João has it; his history proves it. And, modestly, I see this as another point of convergence, because I base my political actions on seeking what's best for Sergipe and our people. But leaving aside two individuals and evaluating two political groups, I confess that I see no reason for separation. If both groups understand that the current state management model has run its course, regardless of the choice of this or that candidate, I see no reason for any kind of separation.

JC - You have been visiting many neighborhoods and community leaders in Aracaju and the interior of the state; is this the pre-campaign phase?  

EA - No, not at all. It's simply a continuation of the work we've always done. Since I entered politics, I've understood that this is necessary; it's our duty and our mission. We need to listen to people, we need to see their needs, feel them in each individual, so that we can legitimately and knowledgeably defend each proposal and each project that we take to Brasília or that we defend here. In fact, the PSC also regularly conducts consultations and debates with all social segments to update its public policy proposals. Right now, the PSC Youth, here in Sergipe, is developing a large popular movement of this nature to create a new social and economic development program for our state.

JC - Is it true that your brother, businessman Edivan Amorim, is your main mentor or advisor when it comes to politics? 

EA - No, Amorim is my brother and my friend. In fact, one of the best friends I have. He's not the only one, but he's one of the great friends I've had throughout my life. Many people might think I talk to Amorim every day, but I don't. He's a businessman, he has his obligations to his activities, and sometimes we go days or even weeks without speaking. But our conversations are always very good, because he knows how I think and respects my positions and decisions, just as I know and respect his way of thinking and his opinions. I am the one who defends my convictions, and they are built upon the values ​​and principles that guide my life. And there's no way I can abandon the principles and values ​​that serve as my compass in life.

JC - What kind of guidance does he give you for political growth? Would he recommend a confrontation with João and Jackson Barreto?  

EA - Because we work as a group, respecting everyone's opinion, what we discuss with him, with everyone in the PSC, or with politicians, leaders, and friends affiliated with other political parties, is never dictated by imposition. There is dialogue, an exchange of ideas, and I welcome and accept what I believe should be welcomed and accepted, since I am the one who decides my actions and attitudes. Of course, in collegial decisions, such as those that define a candidacy, as was the case with ours for the Senate, the majority is decisive, and we abide by it. But there are things that are impractical to share, under penalty of becoming inert or inactive. That's why I live my mandate, schedule my meetings, and act guided by the needs and desires of the people who voted for and trusted me. As for the debate, we never talk about it. But public life is permeated by debates. And, if it's for the good of society, there's no reason not to face them.

JC - Now that the Proinveste phase is over, will the PSC return to its radical opposition to the Déda government?  

EA - No, radicalism is an extreme act. Balance is not found in extremes. And balance, for sure, must be preserved. We will act as we always have: with the necessary responsibility and care. But to make it clearer, I will give an example: I am an anesthesiologist, as well as a Christian, and I always strive for balance. And hemodynamic balance, even in the face of surgical aggression, seeks to maintain balanced blood pressure, blood saturation, and the acidity of the body's chemical reactions. The anesthesiologist's job is to provide the conditions for the correction of any defect. Therefore, the anesthesiologist needs to prioritize and maintain balance, and I carry this into my political life, I carry it into my actions, defending them within my political group and before society.