the name that marked Amazonian politics

Manaus (AM) – One of the most emblematic names in the history of Amazonas, former governor Amazonino Mendes, died this Sunday (12). Over the 40 years of acting in public management, ‘Negão’, as he was popularly called, left a legacy marked by important projects and works throughout the state. At Em Tempo, specialists and politicians spoke about the trajectory of the remarkable Amazonian.

Four times governor of Amazonas, three terms as mayor of Manaus and elected once as a senator: there is no other political figure with a trajectory similar to that of Amazonino.

Genesis of redemocratization

According to political scientist Carlos Santiago, after the country’s re-democratization, former governor Amazonino Mendes was the greatest political leader in Amazonas, creating his own style of doing politics and managing the public machine. He was also responsible for bringing important names into politics.

“During his administrations, great works were implemented and built that are in the state, such as the University of the State of Amazonas, the Bumbódromo, the 28 de Agosto Hospital, in addition to various social policies such as the distribution of money to needy people, distribution of milk and also projects and programs related to women”,

he said.

Defined by political scientist Helso Ribeiro as the “genesis of redemocratization”, Amazonino Mendes lived through the period of the military dictatorship, being one of the characters who rebelled against the system. Like many who opposed the dictatorial government, Amazonino was arrested, along with Arlindo Porto, the first state deputy from Amazonas to lose his mandate by the regime.

“He starts fighting against the dictatorship, with the speech more to the left. Then he goes through several parties, always being a protagonist, almost the owner of the party, as is very common in political leadership here in the country ”,

explained.

Amazonino Mendes’ approach to former governor Gilberto Mestrinho came through the intermediation of Tomé Mestrinho, who introduced Mendes to his father. By consolidating himself as a strong name in politics, he also generated a generation of politicians. “I would say that Amazonino did school. By his hands came Eduardo Braga, José Melo, Omar Aziz, Pauderney Avelino, Bosco Saraiva among others”, said Helso Ribeiro.

Another point highlighted by Carlos Santiago was the look of Amazonino Mendes’ political management centered on the population of the interior, which was placed on the political agenda, and he highlighted that the legacy is “enormous and difficult to overcome even his political opponents who know the importance from Amazonino Mendes to the Amazon”.

“We can even consider that Amazonino Mendes was the greatest political leader of all time in Amazonas. For the accomplishments, for the electoral victories, for building a whole generation of politicians and for formulating and implementing a unique way of doing public and political management, which places Amazonino Mendes as one of the greatest politicians in Amazonas of all time”,

stated.

One of the main legacies of Amazonino Mendes for Amazonas, according to Helso Ribeiro, was the creation of the State University of Amazonas (UEA).

Trajectory, projects and works

The Amazonian from the municipality of Eirunepé, 1,159 kilometers from Manaus, was born on November 16, 1939. He then came to Manaus, where he studied at the traditional Dom Pedro school, where he lived and made friends with important figures in the Amazon. , like the former mayor of Manaus Serafim Corrêa (PSB).

After completing his high school studies, currently high school, he studied at the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), where he graduated in law. It was in the capital that he built a family. He married Francisca Gomes Mendes, with whom he had three children: Armando Mendes, Lívia Mendes and Cristina Mendes.

In April 1983, Amazonino Mendes began his career in institutional politics, when he assumed the mandate of mayor of Manaus. He managed to be re-elected to the position in 1993, and in 2009. In 1991 he was elected by Amazonas as a senator.

Already in the Government of Amazonas, he assumed four terms: the first was on March 15, 1987 until 1990. A few years later, he was elected again in 1995 and for the third time in 1998. His last and fourth term was in 2017, when he defeated Eduardo Braga (MDB).

With poor health, Amazonino also contested the 2022 elections for his fifth term in the Government of Amazonas. However, he failed to get elected.

One of the biggest fruits of the Amazonino management was the creation of the University of the State of Amazonas (UEA), established in 2001. Today, it offers 43 courses in 57 municipalities.

It also delivered the Luiz Augusto Veiga Soares road complex, located in the São José neighborhood, Gilberto Mestrinho, in Coroado, and Antônio Simões, in the Paraíba neighborhood.

Amazonino implemented the João dos Santos Braga and Danilo Corrêa polyclinics, the Child Care Center (Caic) Dr. Gilson Moreira, and the Free Pharmacy and laboratory for clinical exams.

The Olympic Village in the capital of Amazonas also came under his management. At the time of opening, it was the most modern in South America.

goodbyes

Several political authorities have manifested themselves after the confirmation of the death of Amazonino Mendes this Sunday (12). He had been admitted since the 25th of December. The former governor is survived by three children.

The governor of Amazonas, Wilson Lima (União Brasil), mourned the death of Amazonino, and declared a state of mourning for seven days. On social media he stated that Mendes “was born predestined to love this land, bearing the Amazon in his name and heart”.

“I owe a lot of what I am today to former governor Amazonino Mendes. I entered politics making criticisms and seeking, most of the time, to always be a counterpoint to what he and his political group were and represented for our State. But one thing is undeniable: Amazonino was one of the greatest political leaders in the history of Amazonas”,

said Wilson Lima.

The governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho, mourned the death of Amazonino Mendes, and highlighted that Mendes “leaves a great legacy”.

“It is with great regret that I receive today the news of the death of my friend Amazonino Mendes, former governor of Amazonas and who leaves a great legacy. My condolences to family and friends.”

posted on social media.

On social media, Senator Eduardo Braga (MDB) published that Amazonino Mendes is a reference for future generations of politicians. He highlighted that he learned a lot from him, even if at times on opposite sides, “but always striving for respect”.

“His victories, his defeats, his successes and mistakes are inexhaustible sources of inspiration. Its trajectory will forever remain as a compass for those who have the genuine purpose of serving the population, especially the underprivileged, those who inhabit the outskirts of the metropolises and the most distant corners of the Amazon”,

published.

In a statement, Senator Omar Aziz (PSD) stressed that respect and admiration were hallmarks of his relationship with Amazonino.

“I met Amazonino in the 80s. I was in the student movement, he was mayor of Manaus appointed by Gilberto Mestrinho. Since then, we have been allies and we have been on opposite sides, as democracy dictates, ”he wrote.

The mayor of Manaus City Council (CMM), Caio André (PSC), said, in a press release, that the country is spending its time with one of the greatest political figures it has ever had.

“Amazonino Mendes was one of the greatest statesmen that the Amazonian people have ever known. An honorable, fair man, a great defender of our population and the rights of the families of Manaus and the entire state. All of us, public figures, one day were inspired by Amazonino and we have a lot to thank him for”, highlighted Caio André.

Read more:

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