Marina Silva declares support for Aécio Neves
Silva was the third best-voted candidate in the first round of presidential elections
First-round presidential candidate Marina Silva announced Sunday (Oct 12) that she is going to support Aécio Neves (Brazilian Social Democracy Party, PSDB) in the runoffs. She was the third best-voted candidate in the first round of presidential elections running on the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) ticket with 21% of valid votes.
Silva said the decision was made after Neves signed a letter on Saturday (11) whereby he undertook a series of proposals that are held as crucial by her coalition. They include agrarian reform, outlawing re-election, and granting the Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program a national policy status.
“I see this document as a letter of commitment to all Brazilians, to the whole nation, and reject any interpretations of it being addressed to me as a way of eliciting support,” said Silva. She made it clear that her decision was only made after a majority of her coalition parties positioned favorably to Neves.
The letter went on to include series of social and environmental agendas, like stopping deforestation and maintaining the Executive Branch's authority to demarcate indigenous lands.
“[Neves has also shown an] unprecedented willingness to make the country ready for climate change and make the transition to a low-carbon economy, taking global leadership in this area,” completed Silva, who has formerly served as senator and environment minister.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Marina Silva declares support for Aécio Neves
