Lyra’s allies divide PT in PE by defending that Lula also supports re-election

An internal dispute in the Workers’ Party (PT) in Pernambuco challenges the party’s likely support for the mayor of Recife, João Campos (PSB), if he enters the race for state government this year. A wing of state deputies defends that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) opt for a double platform in the PT member’s home state, positioning himself alongside both Campos and the current governor Raquel Lyra (PSD), who should be a candidate for re-election. The PT directory in Pernambuco states that a decision has not been agreed and that the statements made by members of the party at the moment represent personal positions.

The mayor of Recife is the national president of the PSB, the party of vice-president Geraldo Alckmin, who expresses support for Lula’s re-election this year. Lyra is a former tucana and migrated to the PSD in March as part of the plan to get closer to the federal government. It was encouraged by strong PT members, such as the Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa, and local party members, especially those with seats in the Legislative Assembly. However, Gilberto Kassab’s party has the governor of Paraná, Ratinho Júnior, as a pre-candidate for the Planalto.

The decision for a double platform is supported by state deputy João Paulo, leader of the PT bench in the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco. The parliamentarian argues that support for Lyra and Campos would guarantee Lula’s campaign reach throughout the state, which is a priority for the party.

— The governor has recognized the importance of Lula’s support. I don’t believe she will support an opposition candidate for Planalto. Being at her side guarantees Lula an advantage in the campaign’s penetration into the interior of Pernambuco. The PT needs a significant vote in the Northeast to guarantee seats in Congress and Lula’s re-election — says the deputy.

Former president of the PT in Pernambuco, state deputy Doriel Barros states that “there has not been a process of harmony in the relationship with the PSB” and also defends the consolidation of a double platform.

— The dialogue (with the PSB) needs to be more open, which has not been happening. You don’t need to understand politics to understand that two platforms bring more votes for Lula and equalize the dispute based on what each candidate has done for the people — says Barros.

‘Personal positions’

The state leadership of the PT states that it is in the “initial phase of the debate” and that an announcement about support will be made after a collective discussion based on the party’s priorities: the re-election of Lula and senator Humberto Costa, and the expansion of the federal and state benches.

— At this point in the debates, opinions are the result of each person’s free thinking. However, they do not necessarily express the PT’s position. We are still in the initial phase of the collective debate on the subject. Only after this stage, widely debated and aligned with the national leadership, will the PT of Pernambuco choose the best path for Pernambuco and Brazil, within our objectives — points out Carlos Vera, president of the PT in the state and federal deputy.

Senator Humberto Costa states that any discussion on the topic at this time is “premature”:

— Although several leaders have personal positions, I am sure that, when the party makes a definitive decision, we will all march together.

Dispute over Lula

Pernambuco is experiencing a race for PT support in next year’s election between Lyra and Campos. An example of the dispute for Lula’s support occurred in August, when Campos took advantage of the absence of the head of the Palácio do Campo das Princesas from Lula’s commitments in the state to position himself as the PT’s “soldier” and try to deflate the idea of ​​a double platform in the dispute.

On the other hand, Lyra is also close to the Plateau. Her PSD affiliation event was attended by Lula’s three ministers who are part of the acronym Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), Carlos Fávaro (Agriculture) and André de Paula (Aquaculture and Fisheries). Government senators Eliziane Gama (MA) and Zenaide Maia (PB) also honored the woman from Pernambuco.