Senator, besides the visit to Coimbra, was there any other agenda here in Portugal?
We met with the President of the Luso-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Otacílio Soares, but the main goal was to come to Coimbra, where I received the gold medal, an honor that made me very happy, in addition to participating in the inauguration of the Casa da Linguistic Citizenship, an important instrument for the appreciation of the Portuguese language. We also invited them to participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Federal Senate in 2024. I really hope that several Portuguese authorities will be present, including President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was with us at the bicentenary of independence and is still present. very fond of our country.
Wasn’t there a meeting planned with representatives of the Brazilian community in Portugal? It is the second largest in the world, behind only the United States. In addition to historical and diplomatic relations, there has been much discussion here about cases of xenophobia and racism.
No, this schedule here was actually faster. Since last year, we have been committed to further strengthening ties with Portugal. The Federal Senate took up a lot of space to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Brazil’s independence. Several meetings and agreements were signed, a very authentic expression of friendship between peoples. I think we have managed to symbolize that the 200 years have contributed to the maturing of relationships. It is important that authorities lead by example, showing that we are brotherly countries with the relationship between governments, parliaments, communities and society. There is no reason for there to be xenophobia, racism or prejudice. Specifically with regard to the problems of the Brazilian community, there is a role for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is certainly already paying attention to this. To the extent that it is up to the National Congress to calm the crisis points that arise, we will certainly do so.
Speaking of Itamaraty, here abroad there is a lot of talk about “Brazil is back”. Do you agree?
I believe that Brazil has made the international agenda a priority since President Lula da Silva took office. Because it is actually a very high priority. It is the reconstruction of Brazil’s image, the demonstration that there are good opportunities and initiatives. It is very important for establishing international relations, especially because we depend on international investments and market confidence for the development of our nation. President Lula fulfills this role just like the National Congress, every time we could represent at international events to demonstrate the great transformation that Congress has achieved legislatively and constitutionally, regarding the threat of tax reform, all this contributes to building the image of a safe, stable country, with democratic balance and powers.
Regarding the balance of power: what is the relationship with the Federal Supreme Court? Recently there have been tensions with the idea of mandates with defined terms for ministers (judges).
Since the beginning of this year, when I was re-elected, I have praised the good relationship between the powers. This is a reality in Brazil today. There is balance and respect between the powers. We will no longer admit that crises are fabricated and that Brazil fabricated them en masse during the previous administration, destabilizing Brazil’s institutional relations and credibility abroad. Today we must recognize the balance of powers. There is no crisis. What the National Congress is doing right now is exercising its legitimate power to legislate for purposes that are good for Brazil. There is no intensification, confrontation or retaliation of any kind against any power or institution. On this issue of the mandate for the STF ministers, it is, frankly, something that I have said for a long time and continuously, and that I regard as a democratic, republican institution that values the judiciary. Raising the minimum age [para ocupar a cadeira], the establishment of mandates where there can be an entry and exit date, with a reasonable length of stay, is something that is carried out by various courts around the world. I think it is a very positive thing to provide oxygen and quality to the Supreme Court. This is not a surprise, I repeat: it is a reasonable and fair idea, which would significantly improve the STF.
Conservative MEPs are trying to destroy rights already won in Brazil, such as same-sex marriage, an issue that has been more than overcome here in Europe in general. Do you think this is a topic to talk about in 2023?
It should not be discussed except to enact the same-sex marriage rule into law. There can be no regression and the law must provide for this. With this goal in mind, I have established a committee of lawyers in the Senate to update the Civil Code and introduce same-sex marriage. Ending it is a setback we cannot allow. I have this commitment and have already spoken at the leadership meeting. I consider this agenda a right and a matter of dignity. I can tell you that as long as I hold the presidency of the Senate, these types of setbacks will not occur, on the contrary, we must evolve. Now it’s different from other issues like drug release, which I oppose, especially if it goes through the Supreme Court.
Do you think you will be questioned about your position on the demarcation of indigenous territories during the event you are participating in in Paris?
We are committed to the energy transition, green economy and sustainability in Brazil. Based on this logic, we have a chance to become a major world power. By regulating the carbon credit market as the Senate has already done, by defining the rules related to the Temporary Framework, by promoting the prospects for the Mercosur agreement with the European Union, I would like to confirm that we will pursue this commitment with zeal and have priority.
Source: DN
