President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) said on Wednesday (12) that he chose a “beautiful woman” to strengthen ties with the National Congress.
The president’s speech refers to, Gleisi Hoffmann.
“It is very important to bring here the Mayor (Motta) and the president of the Senate (David Alcolumbre). Because one thing, companions, that I want to change, establish the relationship with you… So I put this beautiful woman to be minister of institutional relations, is that I no longer want to have a distance between you, ”said the president.
Lula’s speech, however, was not unanimous. Gleisi’s choice generated resistance, especially among allies who advocated the indication of a more conciliatory name for the position, amid a complex political scenario. Centrão sectors, which occupy spaces in the government, fear that Gleisi’s rigid profile could make it difficult for political negotiations.
Within the PT itself, the appointment also generated division. Some party members see in choosing an internal control and government closure around the acronym, which could undermine alliances for 2026 elections, however, point to Gleisi’s experience in the political articulation of the 2022 campaign as a positive point for the position.
Despite the criticism, Gleisi Hoffmann has always been a confidence figure of Lula, and government allies believe that his performance in the Plateau will be pragmatic. The Secretariat of Institutional Relations (SRI) is traditionally a portfolio with great influence on the decisions of the president, being considered the center of political articulation within the federal government.
