The Federal Senate held on Tuesday (18) a special session in honor of the former President of the Republic José Sarney. On Saturday (15), the country’s redemocratization turned 40. Sarney was the first civilian president after 21 years of military dictatorship.
In his speech, the former president highlighted the political trajectory of Tancredo Neves and praised the participation of the National Congress in the democratic struggle in the country.
“Very Brazilians gave their lives around the country, but Tancredo gave his death […] In the continuity of our history, today we celebrate democracy, whose heart is freedom, this freedom that flows into the formation of the National Congress, who are truly representatives of the Brazilian people, ”he said.
The ceremony brought together former Senate presidents, ministers, parliamentarians, and representatives of the Judiciary, including Minister Dias Toffoli of the Federal Supreme Court (STF).
Upon arriving at the event, Sarney stated that the session is of great importance for also honoring Brazilian democracy. The former president also mentioned the role of the Senate in the country’s history and stressed that this is the.
“The Senate has always been decisive in these difficult times that the country has been through. The Senate is a strong institution, remains one of Brazil’s fundamental arms, since independence,” added the former president.
At the session, Senate President David Alcolumbre (Union-AP) said that in one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. “Under his leadership, the foundations were consolidated for a Democratic Rule of Law. With his help, the debates of the National Constituent Assembly have gone through civility and tranquility,” he said.
Alcolumbre also pointed out that this Tuesday’s tribute reinforces the commitment to the strengthening of democracy and future of the country.
“Democracy is not supported without dialogue, without respect for institutions and without the daily commitment to plurality and harmony between powers. The National Congress, as a legitimate representative of popular will, remains firm in its mission to ensure the institutional balance and stability of the country,” said Alcolumbre.
The request for the tribute session was submitted by Senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO) and was approved in the Senate plenary last Tuesday (11). “In addition to recognizing the incomparable legacy of former President José Sarney, we celebrate the redemocratization and collective effort of the Brazilian people to ensure the consolidation of democratic institutions,” said Kajuru.
In the honor, the Senate presented, with a symbolic plaque, Sarney and former Mayor and current federal deputy Aécio Neves (PSDB-MG), who is the grandson of Tancredo Neves.
*Under supervision
