Cristovam confirms his vote in favor of the coup.

247 - Senator Cristovam Buarque (PPS-DF) confirms, in an article published this Saturday, that he will vote in favor of the 2016 parliamentary coup, even betraying the wishes of his former voters – recently, he was the target of a "de-vote" in Brasília. Read below:

VOTE FOR BRAZIL

By Cristovam Buarque

There are times when we vote enthusiastically for the future we dream of; at other times, we vote to prevent a future that haunts us. If the trial of the ousted president, Dilma Rousseff, were today, I would vote for impeachment, not only for legal reasons or just for the overall picture of her past actions, but above all, for the risks that Dilma's return represents for the future of Brazil.

I am neither voting for nor supporting the government of interim president Michel Temer. The impeachment stems from the discrediting of Dilma's government, the lack of support in the streets and in Parliament, the mistakes made in managing the economy, the contamination with corruption, and the crimes of responsibility.

This stems primarily from the perception that her return to power, with the same political and economic model, would mean that Congress is complicit in errors, corruption, and fiscal illegitimacy.

In August 2015, Senators João Capiberibe (PSB), Randolfe Rodrigues (Rede), Lasier Martins (PDT), Acir Gurgacz (PDT), Lídice da Mata (PSB) and I went to the Alvorada Palace and delivered a letter to President Dilma, in which we stated that Brazil faced three negative scenarios: the continuation of her government, her impeachment, or the annulment of the Dilma/Temer ticket.

To avoid the difficulties his government would face, without falling into impeachment, we suggested that he acknowledge his mistakes, say that his party was Brazil, and ask for everyone's support to govern until the end of his term. Our suggestions were not considered.

During the lengthy impeachment process, which the National Congress followed within the strict constitutional framework, Dilma did not indicate the direction her new government would take. She said nothing about how to build the necessary parliamentary support base, how to calm the protests in the streets, or what economic strategy she would adopt to resume growth, generate employment, promote monetary stability, and overcome the fiscal crisis.

He focused on the legal aspects, calling two-thirds of the federal deputies and senators coup plotters.

I am fulfilling a duty imposed upon me by historical circumstances and my commitment to the country and its future, in accordance with my analysis and conscience.

I hold onto the hope that the successor government will be able to restore balance to our accounts, recover the credibility necessary for the return of growth and employment, maintain good social programs, resume dialogue with Parliament and the streets, and make the transition to 2018.

I am aware that my vote will provoke misunderstanding and disappointment among friends and colleagues, voters and readers, as well as disrepute abroad. I feel, however, that this is a necessary act to redirect the future of Brazil and, therefore, justifies the sacrifice.

After so many mistakes in the economy, false narratives in political marketing, tolerance of corruption, crimes of responsibility, and discredit imposed on progressive forces, we need to turn the page on a government that I helped elect and supported during part of its long 13-year term.

I vote with the hope that a new left will emerge from the ruins, free from the vices and complacency of recent years.

It is with regret, but with the feeling of correcting course, that I vote for impeachment. A sad vote, but a necessary one.