After criticism from Lula, Navy deletes video with marine “look-alike” of Haddad

The Navy removed a video published in honor of Sailor’s Day from all its social networks after direct criticism from the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro.

The piece generated internal dissatisfaction within the government, being interpreted as a veiled criticism of the spending cut package announced by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad (PT)which changes military pensions.

In the video, released on December 1st, images of sailors in training and operations were contrasted with leisure scenes, such as beaches and parties. At the end, a sailor looked at the camera and said: “Privileges? Come to the Navy.”

The video published by the Navy also shows a marine resembling Haddad. “You will have to get used to a life of sacrifice,” says the voice of a captain.

The post was widely criticized by ministers, who considered it inappropriate and politicized, especially as it was published shortly after a meeting between the president and military commanders at Palácio da Alvorada.

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Behind the scenes, ministers classified the material as a “disaster” and “a shot in the foot”. The Navy denied that the video contained criticism of the cost-cutting package. “The advertising piece is not intended to direct any criticism at the set of measures related to fiscal adjustment currently under discussion”, says the Navy note.

“Its intention is to highlight and recognize the constant sacrifice of sailors and marines, who work tirelessly for the Defense of the Homeland and national development, essential activities so that society in general can enjoy a more prosperous and safe life.”

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On November 30, just one day before the release of the video, Lula received the Minister of Defense and commanders of the Army, Air Force and Navy, including Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, at the Palácio do Planalto. The meeting at Palácio da Alvorada with the president discussed a more flexible “transition rule” for military pensions, affected by Haddad’s fiscal adjustment package, which seeks to save R$70 billion in two years.

The measures include a minimum reserve age of 55, end of pension for heirs, 3.5% contribution to the Health Fund and restriction of pensions to dependents of expelled military personnel. However, the Armed Forces especially contest the increase in the minimum age, arguing that their functions differ from those of civilians.

(With Estadão Content)