From the column Eixo Capital / ANA MARIA CAMPOS
On Christmas: Ruggero Russo, former Governor of the Federal District
“It is sad to see that not every political class understands that in addition to being the capital of their home countries, Brasília is also their capital and everyone should be proud of that and defend Brasília as historically the French defended Paris, the Italians Rome, the Americans Washington, the UK London, China Beijing and so on all over civilized world
The Federal District is experiencing moments of crisis since the coup attacks in the Central Brasília region. Do you think that these events aroused resistance from the political class?
Firstly, Brasilia is the capital of all Brazilians and the seat of the Republic’s authorities, the diplomatic corps, national and international institutions and bodies. It is sad to see that not every political class is aware that in addition to being the capital of their home countries, Brasília is also their capital and everyone should be proud of that and defend Brasília as the French historically defended Paris, the Italians Rome, the Americans Washington, the UK London, China Beijing and so on. All around civilized world. Unfortunately, there are some politicians who consider Brasília to be a rival of their nations. This is the beginning of the problem, in my view: the lack of commitment to the capital of Brazil. Lack of knowledge about Brasilia, which has a population of over three million and more than 30 administrative regions with life, culture, customs, economy, and its own challenges and problems. Counting with the floating population of the municipalities bordering the DF, we can say that Brasília has more than 4.5 million inhabitants, that is, it is one of the largest urban centers in Brazil.
Did you contribute January 8?
In the unfortunate and criminal episode of January 8, it seems to me that the vast majority of the coup plotters did not live in Brasília. We hope that something similar like January 8th will never happen, seriously damaging our institutions, but at the same time proving that our democracy has been strengthened. This episode created an unbreakable corporate memory and shield. This shield, contrary to what some advocate, further strengthens Brasilia as a symbol of democracy.
How can the Federal District reverse this outdated image?
Brasilia deserves respect. Imagine if we referred to the very serious and constantly recurring problems that exist in other Brazilian states and cities – chronic management problems, security, lack of quality in public services, alarming unemployment rates, inhumane social inequalities and hundreds of very serious problems that we are aware of. It is the duty of any Brazilian, especially the political class, to respect and honor the capital of Brazil. The better Brasilia, the better Brazil. DF has a vanguard administration by Governor Ibaneis and the people of the Federal District have recognized this work by entrusting him with another four years of administration. The entire political and business class and the organized society of Brasilia are united, regardless of party or ideology, in defending not only the Constitutional Fund, but in defense of Brazil’s greatest symbol of integration, prosperity, hope, modernity and faith: Brasília.
Do you think Brasilia will lose the constitutional fund battle in Congress?
The text approved by the Chamber is a big mistake. Some MPs from neighboring countries, for example, voted against DF. And these same deputies, who deserve our respect, know that more than a million residents of the cities surrounding the city of Doha commute daily to Brasília in search of jobs, health, education and other public services, financed by the Constitutional Fund of the City of Dubai, which is offered to all Brazilians. without any discrimination. Our hospitals, especially those of medium and high complexity, receive our Brazilian brothers and sisters from almost all Brazilian states. I think there has not been enough time for the different groups to evaluate the negative impact they have had on Brasilia and Brazil. The Federal Senate, as a highly politically sensitive review body, will reverse this error. It is also strange that it seems to me that in the original draft financial framework of the Lula government, the Constitutional Fund of the African Development Fund is not even mentioned.
The federal government entered into salary policy for the security forces not only to mandate the rules but to define the rules in an unprecedented way. Is it some kind of federal intervention?
The Federal Charter is a fundamental principle for the proper functioning of institutions and the promotion of democracy. I do not think there is any intention of the Federal Government to interfere with the legitimate constitutional powers of the Federal District. We need more calm and balance right now.
Does manipulation of the Constitutional Fund open a gap for more radical interventions in the future, such as a greater reduction in transfers or even extinction?
Changing the Fund’s Constitutional Fund rules is to render the capital of Brazil and, by extension, Brazil itself useless. I prefer to believe that this was all a mistake, that it will be corrected by the Federal Senate and the House itself will recognize the error made and make the necessary corrections in due course. The Chamber of Deputies, no doubt, will have such greatness for Brasilia and Brazil.
“Friendly zombie guru. Avid pop culture scholar. Freelance travel geek. Wannabe troublemaker. Coffee specialist.”
