Deputy mayor takes office in threatened Campinas
A request has been made to the City Council to establish a Disciplinary Committee to impeach Demétrio Vilagra (PT), who is due to take office this Tuesday.
Vice-Mayor Demétrio Vilagra (PT) is expected to assume the mayoralty of Campinas (SP) tomorrow, replacing the ousted mayor, Dr. Hélio (PDT), who is working to build a political base to ensure his continued tenure. A request has already been made to the City Council to establish a Disciplinary Committee (CP) to remove the PT member from office. Currently, it is estimated that less than half of the 33 council members would be in favor of opening a new impeachment process – two-thirds of the votes are required for removal.
The PT leader in the City Council, Ângelo Barreto, stated that the party is prepared to defend Vilagra against the proposed parliamentary commission of inquiry. “Demétrio was involved, but he didn't interfere. If any political party tries to bring forward the elections, we will be prepared.”
Vilagra is among those accused by the State Public Prosecutor's Office of the alleged crimes of forming a criminal organization, passive corruption, and bid-rigging. The courts have twice ordered the arrest of the Workers' Party member this year, orders that were later revoked. He was even detained upon returning from a trip to Spain.
"If there is any problem with the request, from a legal standpoint, and it is not carried forward, the PSDB will not remain inactive," warns PSDB councilman Artur Orsi, author of the request that led to the impeachment of Dr. Hélio.
The deputy mayor informed yesterday, through his press office, that he will not comment before assuming office. The request to establish a commission of inquiry against Vilagra was filed by the president of the PSOL party in Campinas, Paulo Búfalo.