Zezinho: "Discussing the election now is inappropriate; one shouldn't engage in intrigue."
According to the PMDB deputy, opening the debate on forming a majority ticket and assembling alliances, as suggested by councilman Robson Viana (PMDB), is a hasty move; "we have to work on the year 2013, complete Marcelo Déda's work, help him and not seek to create intrigues. It's not the time for that. We should now, in a difficult moment for the State's finances, discussing the increase in public sector salaries, by common agreement, focus on this, join hands and help the Government to resolve it. The political issue is for 2014. We can't talk about that now, also because we have to respect Marcelo Déda's physical state," he states.
Valter Lima, from Sergipe 247 - Contrary to what has been advocated by members of the PMDB, state deputy Zezinho Guimarães, who is affiliated with the party, believes that it is not yet the right time to discuss the formation of electoral platforms for 2014. According to him, it is not possible to discuss the formation of the main ticket now, given the state of health of Governor Marcelo Déda (PT), who is undergoing treatment for stomach cancer.
In the interview, the parliamentarian denies rumors that he would not vote for Belivaldo Chagas again if there is a new election for advisor to the State Court of Auditors. Regarding the quest to rebuild the government majority in the Legislative Assembly, Zezinho says that "this is a political engineering feat that has to happen with several decisions. In other words, it's not something easy to achieve."
Check out the interview given this Tuesday (11), to Sergipe 247, after the ceremony for signing the service order for the formation and expansion of Batistão.
Sergipe 247 – What is your opinion on these discussions surrounding alliances for 2014? Councilman Robson Viana argued that, given the impossibility of Governor Marcelo Déda's (PT) candidacy for the Senate, dialogue should be opened with the DEM.
Zezinho Guimarães – I think these issues with the PMDB, with Robson, are, in a way, premature. I shouldn't be talking about them now. Especially because we need to work towards 2013, finish Marcelo Déda's work, help him, and not try to create intrigue. This isn't the time for that. We should be, now, in a difficult moment for the state's finances, discussing the increase in public sector salaries, by mutual agreement, focusing on this, joining hands and helping the government resolve it. The political issue is for 2014. We can't talk about that now, especially because we also have to respect Marcelo Déda's physical condition. To be talking now about making deals with A, B, or C is extremely inappropriate. I think we need to continue working. The state needs to move faster if we can. And leave these political issues of who goes where, alliances with whom, for 2014. What we need to do – and this is what Jackson is doing, has demonstrated, and will continue to do – is help the people of Aracaju, whether with DEM or any other party. As acting governor, I will help João Alves secure federal funds for public works projects.
Sergipe 247 – Regarding the clash in the Legislative Assembly over the vote to choose the new member of the State Court of Auditors (TCE), how do you view Belivaldo Chagas's action of taking the matter to court again? There's a lot of talk that you and State Representative Garibalde Mendonça wouldn't vote for him again. Is that true?
ZG "That's just talk. We're party men, both Garibalde and I. As for going to court, that's a personal matter. Secretary Belivaldo thought it best, and it's his right. No one can infringe on people's rights. Once again, the Court of Justice will decide this. If they find that his rights were violated, great, the election will have to be redone and he'll have another chance. And if he gets another chance, make no mistake, I will vote for Belivaldo Chagas."
Sergipe 247 – How do you see the possibility of the Government regaining a majority in the Assembly today? Is it possible?
ZG – This is a political maneuver that requires several adjustments. I'll just say one thing: I'm not an obstacle to anything. I only want to work so that we can fulfill our role in the Assembly, help the people of Sergipe, especially the people of my region, the southern region, to whom I owe so much, help Governor Marcelo Déda in whatever way we can in the Assembly, and without a doubt, make Jackson governor in 2014. That is our commitment, and I will not give up on it. I will fight with all my strength so that Jackson Barreto can rekindle that desire we all had in 1994, to be realized in 2014. Twenty years later, with faith in God, Jackson Barreto will be governor, with the vote of the people of Sergipe.