September 7th discouraged in Brasília with timid public reaction

With the theme “Democracy, Sovereignty and Union”, the September 7th Parade, in Brasília, was marked by the public’s timid reaction when the National and Independence anthems were played. Half of the stands were occupied by “guest” employees, both from the government and the Federal District. In the other half, families showed up, most of them students and military personnel who paraded and a large proportion of PT voters. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in the traditional Rolls Royce and did not speak.

The central lawn of the Esplanada dos Ministérios became more crowded at the end, with the display of military vehicles and weapons. Few people wore the yellow shirt of the Brazilian football team.

In recent years, during the government of former president Jair Bolsonaro, the celebration of Independence brought more people, especially supporters, with sound trucks, which were banned this year.

Despite the occupied stands this year, the public cheered little. The moments of greatest public interaction occurred, specifically, when they were seen on the screen or saw a relative marching in uniform.

Lira didn’t show up

The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP), was the most felt absence among the authorities. Government ministers, a few parliamentarians and the president of the Federal Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD), attended.

Since May, the government has been trying to consolidate Centrão’s support in the Chamber. Only this Tuesday (6), after three months of negotiation, the Planalto’s political articulation managed to unlock a ministerial reform to include the PP and the Republicans in the Executive. Even so, less important portfolios were offered. André Fufuca (PP) will take over the Ministry of Sports and Silvio Costa Filho (Republicans) will head the Ports and Airports portfolio.

Green and yellow distributed and red coming from home

Just like the first lady, Janja, who wore red and decided to attract attention at the event by making the “L”, many of those present were seen wearing red caps with Lula’s name and the PT star. However, colorful clothes predominated in the audience. The event organizers distributed free caps in green, yellow, blue and white and small Brazilian flags.

In addition to the decorations, booklets praising the Armed Forces were handed out to the public. The content contained the axes that highlight, according to the Federal Government, the actions of the Army, Navy and Air Force: Peace and Sovereignty; Science and technology; Health and Vaccination and Defense of the Amazon. In the Bolsonaro government, the mottos were: God, Country, Family and Freedom.