PSB says it is unlikely to support Renan Calheiros.
The party leader, Lídice da Mata (BA), criticized the fact that the PMDB, responsible for nominating the candidate for the position due to having the largest caucus, has not yet designated a name and has not presented a work plan for the next two years.
Marcos Chagas
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia - The PSB is unlikely to support the nomination of PMDB leader Renan Calheiros (AL) for the presidency of the Senate given the circumstances of institutional erosion that Parliament is experiencing. The party leader, Lídice da Mata (BA), criticized the fact that the PMDB, responsible for nominating the candidate due to having the largest caucus, has not yet designated a name and has not shown a work plan for the next two years.
"What society expects from us, far beyond necessary self-criticism, is a firm commitment to ethics and to the continuity of the process of transforming Brazil into a just and prosperous nation," the PSB highlighted in an official statement. The document also suggests that senators should use the "opportunity" of the elections for the Board of Directors to find the best way to recover the credibility of the Senate.
Lídice da Mata emphasized that the position adopted by the PSB is not intended to "personalize" the change of presidency. "The PMDB can choose whichever name it wants, but what we can say is that, under these circumstances, the party will not vote for Renan Calheiros." Regarding "circumstances," she explained that it refers to the entire history of the Senate.
The leader mentions the fact that Renan Calheiros was denounced last week to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) by the Attorney General of the Republic, Roberto Gurgel. The PMDB leader allegedly presented false receipts to justify his assets. In Lídice da Mata's understanding, this fact puts the independence of the Senate at risk should the PMDB member be elected.
Edited by Beto Coura