Worn down, Cabral becomes isolated in the PMDB.
According to columnist Ilimar Franco, his attempt to elect Vice-Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão to the governorship of Rio in 2014 is already a source of jokes within the national PMDB party.
247 Sergio Cabral's battle for political survival, following a wave of protests in Rio de Janeiro, is becoming increasingly lonely. His attempt to elect his vice-governor Pezão to the state government in 2014 is already a source of jokes within the national PMDB party. Read more in Ilimar Franco's column in Globo:
The Cabral Equation
The PMDB leadership will not lift a finger to make Governor Sérgio Cabral (RJ) a minister. Cabral's only unconditional ally is the leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Eduardo Cunha (RJ). Within the party, it is believed that the appointment will only happen if it is initiated by President Dilma. They say this outcome also implies a compromise in Rio. Currently, both the PMDB and the PT have candidates for governor.
Who is the candidate?
While Governor Sérgio Cabral struggles to improve his image, shaken by the protests, and boost his candidate, Luiz Fernando Pezão, indifference reigns in the upper echelons of the PMDB party. Some are restrained, but most define Cabral as "snobbish" and distant from party life. On a trip to Pernambuco, President Dilma and the President of the Senate, Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), were discussing the elections. Renan commented: "President, we're going to win in Rio, right?". She looked at him startled, but didn't answer. To which Renan added: "Lindbergh, our candidate, is going to win the election." Dilma gave a loud laugh.