The former president of the STF, Joaquim Barbosa, criticized the statement by the former vice president who stated that Lula (PT) wants to fuel a crisis with the Army.| Photo: José Cruz/Agência Brasil.

The former minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Joaquim Barbosa, criticized Senator Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos-RS) after the former vice-president stated, in an interview for the Folha de S.Paulothat Lula (PT) wants to fuel a crisis in the Armed Forces by dismissing the Army commander, which would be terrible for the country.

“Mourão says that Lula wants to fuel a crisis with the Army by dismissing the commander. Well, well, Mr. Hamilton Mourao. Spare us your hypocrisy, your reactionaryism, your deliberate blindness and your political factionalism! Facts are facts! More respect to all Brazilians! “Terrible for the country” would be the continuation of the turmoil, the “chienlit” and the insubordination clearly inspired and tolerated by you military men. Mr. Mourão, assume the mandate and take the opportunity to learn for the first time in your life some rudiments of democracy! Do not underestimate the intelligence of Brazilians!”, wrote Barbosa on his social networks.

On Saturday (21) President Lula (PT) dismissed Army commander General Júlio Cesar de Arruda after the crisis generated by acts of vandalism on January 9. After the attacks on the buildings of the Three Powers, the relationship between Lula and the general became fragile. One of the reasons was that Arruda would have prevented military police from the Federal District from entering the camp set up by demonstrators in front of the Army Headquarters after the acts of vandalism.

General Tomás Miguel Ribeiro Paiva was chosen for his place, who days before gave a long speech preaching confidence in the result of the polls and non-partisan Armed Forces. Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro stated that there was a “fracture in a level of trust” to justify Arruda’s dismissal.