Aécio to JN: Cláudio (MG) "needed the airport"
The PSDB candidate opened a series of 15-minute interviews with other candidates conducted by presenters of Jornal Nacional, on Rede Globo; the first topic was the economy; "We are experiencing a crisis of confidence in Brazil," said Aécio Neves; William Bonner retorted that the question about increasing public utility rates had not been answered; "We will realign prices when and how that becomes necessary," continued the PSDB candidate; journalists also asked about the controversial airfield in Cláudio (MG); "What is worth more: a farm with or without an airport?", asked Bonner; "It's a country estate," replied Aécio; tough questions.
247 - The first interview with a presidential candidate on the Jornal Nacional news program on Rede Globo was tougher than expected. Facing Aécio Neves, the PSDB candidate, presenters William Bonner and Patrícia Poeta chose to address sensitive topics for the candidate, such as the construction of the Cláudio airport in Minas Gerais, next to a farm belonging to the former governor's family, and even the support he has been receiving from former governor Eduardo Azeredo. Patrícia reminded viewers that Neves is accused of being the mastermind behind the so-called Minas Gerais mensalão scandal.
At the beginning of the fifteen-minute question-and-answer session, Bonner wanted to know if Aécio was willing to make adjustments to public utility rates. Aécio responded that the Brazilian economy is experiencing a crisis of confidence, but Bonner retorted that he considered the question unanswered. The politician then stated that "there will be a realignment of prices" when his economic team deems it necessary, without committing to so-called "bitter measures" at the beginning of his administration.
"I promise a management style that restores ethics and public morality, with efficient governance," said the PSDB candidate.
The topic of the construction of the Cláudio airport occupied about a quarter of the entire interview time. This wasn't exactly what Aécio had expected. William Bonner directed at him at least three questions on the subject, the last one being the most direct:
What is worth more, candidate, a farm with an airport next to it or without an airport next to it?
Aécio responded that the property has been in his family's patrimony for 150 years. With 30 alqueires, according to him, "it's a small farm". He stated that he built the airport to boost the regional economy.
Regarding Azeredo, he retorted: "You're right, he supports me," without committing to the former governor's political past.
Below, previous news item:
247 - Brazilian presidential candidate Aécio Neves opened the series of interviews on Jornal Nacional. The interview, conducted by William Bonner and Patrícia Poeta, covered various topics, including the economy, corruption, and the controversial construction of the Cláudio (MG) airfield. Here are some key points:
Regarding economics
"Brazilians want transparency. They want a government with the courage to do what is necessary. We will streamline the state. In foreign policy, ideological alignment has been a priority for the current government."
Regarding public tariffs
"There will be predictability. Yes, there will be a price realignment when necessary and when we have all the information about the economic situation."
Regarding corruption
"In the PT (Workers' Party) there was a conviction, people were arrested. It's a different situation from the PSDB (Brazilian Social Democracy Party). Regarding the PSDB, if there are consistent accusations, they must be investigated. And if someone is convicted, they will not be treated as a national hero. For a very simple reason: that is counterproductive."
About the airport in Cláudio (MG)
"We created a program, ProAero, that connected 29 cities. [While Aécio was giving his explanation, Bonner asked: what is worth more: a farm with an airport or without an airport next to it?] This farm has 14 head of cattle, it's a smallholding. This city needed this airport. If there was any loss, it was my great-uncle's. He asked for R$ 9 million for the expropriated area, and the state's valuation was much lower. The population of that city knows the importance of the airfield. I used all the airports in the state for work."
On transformative government
"Former President Lula made the right decision to unify the social programs created during President Fernando Henrique's administration. To govern is to acknowledge successes. In our government, we will expand these social programs. I led a transformative government in Minas Gerais, and I will also lead a transformative government in Brazil."