With Lula traveling, Alckmin arrives in RS to visit cities hit by cyclone

Accompanied by seven ministers, Geraldo Alckmin, acting president while Lula maintains his agenda abroad, where he is participating in the G20 meeting in India, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul this Sunday morning (10) to visit the areas most affected by the extratropical cyclone that passed through the state. Alckmin is expected to meet with mayors in the region and members of the state government and announce support measures for those affected by the cyclone.

Yesterday (09), Alckmin had already announced the transfer to the city halls of affected cities in the amount of R$ 800 per person affected, so that the municipalities can assist in serving this population. The mobilization of the federal government comes amid criticism that Lula prioritized the trip to India instead of dealing with the tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul, which accounts for 43 deaths, 46 missing and still leaves 3,798 homeless and 11,642 homeless. In total, according to an estimate by the National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM), the damage caused by the cyclone reaches R$1.3 billion.

An account at Banrisul was also created to receive cash donations for the victims. Any amount can be deposited into the SOS Rio Grande do Sul account using the PIX CNPJ key: 92.958.800/0001-38. According to Governor Eduardo Leite, the amounts transferred to the bank account will be managed by the state in partnership with entities already recognized for their social assistance and humanitarian aid work.

The option to prioritize the external agenda in the midst of the tragedy in RS generated criticism from parliamentarians. The deputy leader of the PL, deputy Bibo Nunes (PL-RS), posted on social media that Lula “confirms that he does not respect and does not like the gauchos”. Federal deputy Marco Feliciano (PL-SP) asked if Lula has “selective solidarity” for not having won in the state during the elections. “In places where his vote was not what his team expected, he shrugs his shoulders?” he wrote. The attitude of First Lady Janja, who accompanied Lula on the trip to India, was also criticized. Upon landing in the Asian country, Lula’s wife celebrated. “Namaste! Hello India. Goodnight! Hold on to me and I’m going to go out dancing”, said Janja in a video published on social media. The post was deleted shortly afterwards.