Amazonino Mendes, former governor of Amazonas, dies – 02/12/2023 – Politics

Amazonino Mendes, who led the state of Amazonas for four terms, died this Sunday (12), aged 83. He had been admitted to the Syrian-Lebanese hospital in São Paulo since December.

“It was a victorious life dedicated with great love to the family and the people of Amazonas. Amazonino leaves an incomparable legacy, as a man and politician. He fought bravely like few others, but now he rests in peace”, says a note published on his page on the social network.

Amazonino ran in the last government election as leader of the electoral polls until the start of the campaign and ended the dispute in third place, losing to Wilson Lima (União Brasil) and Senator Eduardo Braga (MDB), who was in second place.

Health problems limited Amazonino’s campaign in Manaus and annulled it in the interior of the state, which requires candidates to travel to places that are difficult to access.

Already at the convention, Amazonino interrupted the speech and asked to sit down, with the help of other people. He left supported by allies. In the debates and interviews he attended, his voice and countenance gave the impression of weariness and despondency.

Diabetic, cardiac and hemodialysis patient, Amazonino was a risk group and, in the pandemic, competed and came second to Manaus City Hall. His participation preceded rigorous sanitization of the event venues.

“What makes an 80-year-old man expose himself? What do I want? I don’t want anything else. I’m not after honor. I’ve been governor four times. I’m not after money. I’m not a candidate to run the marathon” , said Amazonino at the 2020 convention.

After the 2022 election, the former governor underwent some hospitalizations in São Paulo until the last one, on December 19.