MST will join Lula’s “Council”, confirms federal government

The Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) will form part of the Economic and Social Development Council of the Presidency of the Republic, the so-called “Conselhão”, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). The information was released by the Minister of Institutional Relations, Alexandre Padilha, on his social networks, this Saturday afternoon (29). The council advises the President of the Republic in formulating public policies.

The invitation, accepted by the landless leaders, comes at a time when the federal government is being criticized for its proximity to the MST. Criticism comes especially from agribusiness representatives, who condemn the recent invasions of rural properties promoted by the movement across the country and which may be the target of a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI).

At the same time, the invitation comes at a time when the former President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro (PL), is taking up public agendas showing great alignment with agribusiness. Invited to participate in the opening of Agrishow, the largest agricultural technology fair in Latin America, which takes place from May 1st to 5th in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Bolsonaro confirmed his presence.

The federal government threatened to suspend Banco do Brasil’s sponsorship of the fair, and later the organization of the event decided to cancel the opening ceremony. Even so, Bolsonaro arrived in Ribeirão Preto this Sunday afternoon to participate in the Agrishow.

In another important agro event, Expozebu, which is being held in Uberaba (MG) was the scene of harsh criticism of recent land invasions across the country. Governors Tarcísio de Freitas (SP), Ronaldo Caiado (GO) and Romeu Zema (MG) defended the right to property and asked for the arrest of those involved in the invasions.