“The way I found to help with Proinveste was by remaining silent,” says Jackson.

By Valter Lima, from Sergipe 247, and Raíssa Cruz, from Universo Político – Away from the spotlight, Vice-Governor Jackson Barreto (PMDB) has been quiet since the end of last year. He hasn't given interviews, hasn't spoken about politics, hasn't responded to criticism, and hasn't commented on Proinveste. It's unclear whether this is due to his own political strategy or an instruction from Governor Marcelo Déda (PT), who, despite undergoing tough treatment for stomach cancer, chose to remain at the head of the administration.

This Thursday (27), Jackson broke his silence and in an exclusive interview with Sergipe 247 and Universo Político spoke about all the political issues of the moment (the speculated and unlikely PT-DEM alliance, his candidacy for Governor in 2014, his withdrawal from the Proinveste discussions, the political unity of the base and the statements of allies about him being the natural candidate). Check out the full interview given after the signing of the service order for the renovation of the Aracaju airport roof.

Sergipe 247 – How do you view the scenario that has been speculated by many regarding an alliance between DEM and PT to support your candidacy for governor in 2014?
Jackson Barreto – The PMDB has no difficulty forming coalitions. We have no problems, we have no decisions at our party level preventing any coalitions, but I can say with an open heart that there are no talks at this exact moment, nor have there ever been. I have no reason to hide it. I am open-minded about the prospect of alliances for the 2014 elections, especially since it is too early. Any talks at this moment are mere speculation, firstly because the DEM is just beginning a government; secondly, because we are all focused on the Proinveste issue and the governor's health. We don't even have time to have the necessary political discussions for next year. Obviously, we will be having these negotiations this year, but not exactly now.

Sergipe 247 – But just as Mayor João Alves (DEM) showed sensitivity regarding Proinveste, do you confirm that there is indeed a possibility of harmony between these two groups, which are so different?
JB - I cannot speak at this moment about any political understanding. We have a great leader for our project, who is Governor Marcelo Déda. I cannot anticipate anything, because any decision will be the result of a discussion among allies. And this discussion has not yet taken place. The governor is very focused on the Proinveste issue, and we are not going to have political discussions now. I think that around the middle of the year, during São João, there will be plenty of time. And I repeat that there has been no discussion, no conversation about this. And it is evident that I have no personal position, because I am part of a group that is led by Governor Marcelo Déda.

Sergipe 247 – When both Governor Marcelo and Senator Valadares state that your candidacy is in place, which is natural, but that it needs to be consolidated, doesn't that cause you any discomfort?
JB - No. It makes me very happy. I consider myself a member of this alliance and I have always worked to consolidate it. Not for myself personally, but to consolidate a project that I believe in, which is this project of having a government with many public works, capable of producing changes in our state, of having a behavior, like Marcelo Déda's, in administration, of being unquestionable from the point of view of ethics and honesty. I am happy to see Senator Valadares speak. I am happy when I hear the position and opinion of Rogério Carvalho, Márcio Macêdo, Conceição Vieira, Valadares Filho, of all of them, because I am very gratified, because they are colleagues who know me very deeply, and they know that throughout my public life I have only had a behavior of loyalty to my friends and allies. When the governor and Valadares talk about consolidation, they are telling me: “Jackson, you need to deepen the internal discussions within the group so that all factions and areas feel represented by you as a candidate. You have to be a candidate that everyone feels satisfied with, represented by, and responsible for leading your campaign. You have to have a campaign where your allies feel that tomorrow you will be victorious and in power.” So, when the governor or Valadares say that consolidation is necessary, they are saying: “You need to reach out to all your colleagues. Not just those on the front lines, but from the highest to the lowest, talk, dialogue, listen, discuss…”.

Sergipe 247 – Are you doing this, sir?
JB - I'm doing it. That's all I do.

Sergipe 247 – Regarding Valadares, do you believe he can run for Governor in a scenario where Eduardo Campos is a presidential candidate?
JB - No. The alliance in Sergipe has always been considered by Eduardo Campos, by the national PMDB leadership, and by the PT leadership as the best laboratory for formulating a political alliance in our country. Sergipe is considered the best laboratory for an alliance based on the Dilma government. Just look: a member of the PCdoB left the mayor's office; a colleague from the PSB was a candidate. Senator Valadares is from the PSB, Governor Marcelo Déda is from the PT, and I am only from the PMDB, vice-governor, candidate for governor, so all parties are in the allied base of President Dilma. Sergipe is the best example of how a political alliance project works, that is, everyone has an opportunity, everyone is respected, that's why things have worked out here. At this exact moment, neither the governor nor Jackson Barreto want to have a political discussion about the gubernatorial election, because we are concerned with the Proinveste issue, and that is a discussion that is the governor's responsibility. It's a discussion I don't want to get into, because it's under Marcelo Déda's responsibility.

Sergipe 247 – Are you following from afar or not following at all?
JB - I am aware of what is being reported in the press.

Sergipe 247 – There has been much speculation that you have spoken little about the Government. Is there a peaceful relationship between you and the Government? 
JB – Regarding the government, everything is very calm. This week, I spoke with the governor on Monday, in an atmosphere of fraternity and affection.

Sergipe 247 – Is there any cooling off in the relationship or a retreat on your part?
JB - No, no. I think that in this discussion that took place, there were always criticisms of my behavior regarding the Proinveste issue, and I don't want to be an instrument for creating any difficulties. I want to help my state. And the way I found to contribute was by abstaining from any discussion and following the guidance of Governor Marcelo Déda, who is currently leading the understanding process.

Sergipe 247 – Will it be approved?
JB – Based on the information we have, I believe it will be approved. We hope this is for the good of Sergipe, for the good of everyone, for the good of those in power, and for the good of those in opposition.

Sergipe 247 – Jackson, do you really believe you are a natural candidate for Governor in 2014?
JB "That's what people are saying on the streets of Aracaju, in the interior; those are the natural comments, but I'm no deity and I don't have any special powers. I think this discussion should only be had later, and we should leave it in God's hands. For now, we should pray for the governor's health and for the approval of Proinveste. The governor's health is fundamental. The state's health, with Proinveste, is also fundamental."