Alceu Collares, former governor of Rio Grande do Sul, dies at age 97
The former governor of Rio Grande do Sul Alceu Collaresone of the founders of the Democratic Labor Party (PDT), died in the early hours of Tuesday (24), in Porto Alegre.
With pneumonia, Collares had been admitted to Hospital Mãe de Deus, in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, since December 16th.
“Hospital Mãe de Deus announces with regret the death of former governor Alceu de Deus Collares this Tuesday (24), at 2:40 am, as a result of multiple organ failure. At 97 years old, he had been hospitalized on December 16th. Dismayed, we express our condolences to family and friends, sharing the pain of their loss”, says the hospital, in a statement.
Alceu Collares was the first and, to date, only black man to govern Rio Grande do Sul, between 1991 and 1995 (at the time, there was no re-election).
The politician, one of the central figures of the Brazilian labor movement (along with former governor Leonel Brizola), was mayor of Porto Alegre (1986-1989), federal deputy (1971-1983 and 1999-2007) and councilor in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul (1964-1970).
In 2016, the former governor was diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema and, since then, he had been suffering from health complications. In November of this year, Collares had pneumonia that ended up worsening his condition.
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Repercussion
Through his account on X (formerly Twitter), the current national president of the PDT, Carlos Lupiwho is also Minister of Social Security, mourned the death of Alceu Collares.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Alceu Collares, a dear friend and partner in so many battles at PDT. He was an example of courage and dedication to social justice, and I had the privilege of experiencing important moments alongside him in the fight for a fairer Brazil”, wrote Lupi.
“His absence will be deeply felt, but the legacy he leaves will continue to inspire us. My sincere condolences to the family and everyone who shares this great loss”, added the PDT president.
The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite (PSDB)also expressed regret over Collares’ death and declared three days of official mourning in the state.
“His legacy of fighting for social justice, workers’ rights, education, with the construction of Cieps, a pioneering full-time school action, and for the development of Rio Grande do Sul, will continue as an inspiration for all of us”, wrote the toucan in X.
“My solidarity with Collares’ children, and his wife, Neusa Canabarro, in this moment of pain. May they find comfort in the memory of their trajectory and in the recognition of their contribution to our society. Rio Grande do Sul loses a great leader, but his example will be eternal.”
