Gleisi admits that PT may lose space in government to Centrão

The president of the PT, federal deputy Gleisi Hoffmann (PT-PR), stated that the party does not want to lose space in the government, but is willing not to hesitate in “missing” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) if this is necessary and important to guarantee governance.

“The PT has already made a great effort in the composition of ministries. There were people who said that the PT was left with many portfolios, but that is not true. The PT is big, it is the party of the President of the Republic and it has the responsibility of sustaining the alliance that elected him. But the PT understands what it means to have a political composition”, he said in an interview with the newspaper The globe.

Questioned about the possibility of Lula “shielding” female ministers, Gleisi Hoffmann replied that the government needs a solid base in the National Congress. She pointed out that the initial composition of the government was not able to guarantee the necessary votes, and the search for support in important projects requires negotiations.

Gleisi emphasized the importance of avoiding an unstable government, which needs to negotiate with each project presented. “The government cannot live with a bump, with each project having to stay there, negotiating. It may not be a permanent basis for approving a Constitutional Amendment Project (PEC), but for approving important projects. It needs negotiation […] This is a mathematical aspect of politics,” he said.

Gleisi’s statement follows in the wake of the ministerial mini-reform involving three ministries: Tourism, Social Development and Sports. Coveted by Centrão, the ministries are being negotiated in exchange for parliamentary support for voting on proposals. The command of Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF), currently held by Rita Serrano, is also under discussion.

Seeking to alleviate the situation, Gleisi pointed out the existence of a “symbolic aspect” to be considered in the possible ministerial reform. “If there is anyone who is committed to diversity and who exercises and has exercised power, it is Lula. There was no other political leader with his commitment. Sometimes, it seems to me that they exaggerately demand from Lula a delivery that no one else makes”, he declared.