Fontana: Direct elections now is the banner that unifies society.

The author of a proposed amendment to the Constitution that provides for direct elections for the Presidency of the Republic under any circumstances, Congressman Henrique Fontana (PT-RS) believes this is the only way to fully reestablish democracy in Brazil. In an exclusive interview with TV 247, he criticized the legitimacy of the National Congress and refuted criticisms that his project would have little chance of being approved. "As a defender of democracy, I want a strong and active parliament. But, unfortunately, this parliament of which I am a part is demoralized. It cannot vote for the President of the Republic," he stated. According to Fontana, this requires political will and public engagement around the issue.

December 15, 2016, 12:51 AMUpdated May 28, 2019, 09:02 AM

The author of a proposed amendment to the Constitution that provides for direct elections for the Presidency of the Republic under any circumstances, Congressman Henrique Fontana (PT-RS) believes this is the only way to fully reestablish democracy in Brazil; in an exclusive interview with TV 247, he criticized the legitimacy of the National Congress and refuted criticisms that his project would have little chance of being approved; "As a defender of democracy, I want a strong and active parliament. But, unfortunately, this parliament of which I am a part is demoralized. It cannot vote for the President of the Republic," he stated; for Fontana, this requires political will and public engagement around the issue (Photo: Ana Pupulin).

TV 247 - The author of a proposed constitutional amendment that calls for direct presidential elections under any circumstances, Congressman Henrique Fontana (PT-RS), believes this is the only way to fully restore democracy in Brazil. In an exclusive interview with Brasil 247, he criticized the legitimacy of the National Congress, mired in corruption allegations, to choose a potential successor should the current president fall from power.

"As a defender of democracy, I want a strong and active parliament. But, unfortunately, this parliament of which I am a part is demoralized. It is incapable of voting for the president of the Republic," he stated.

Fontana countered criticisms that the project had little chance of being approved. "I don't think so, I'm sure it can happen [with direct elections]," he stated, emphasizing that this requires political will and widespread public engagement around the issue.

Check out the full interview:

"I think the 'direct elections now' banner has to unify the whole country, the whole field that wants change," he added.

The congressman was emphatic in his criticism of his fellow parliamentarians and stated that a truly comprehensive political reform would also include general elections for Congress. "But I know that won't pass," he commented.