The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), stated this Tuesday (10) that the PT’s speech against the vote represents a “historical inconsistency”, citing former deputy Ulysses Guimarães, main articulator of the 1988 Constitution.
The statement was given after the leader of the PT in the House, Lindbergh Farias RJ), made harsh criticisms of the president of the Chamber. During the session, the PT member remembered the film about Rubens Paiva, a former deputy who died during the military dictatorship.
Lindbergh accused the president of “committing a crime” by drafting a project that, according to him, would aim to reduce sentences for coup generals and former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL).
“Your Excellency, at your inauguration, spoke about Ulysses Guimarães and made reference to the film about the life of Rubens Paiva. Paiva’s family didn’t see those criminals being tried, neither did Vladimir Herzog’s. And then you put this project in an opportunistic way, with just one objective: to reduce the sentences of coup generals and former president Jair Bolsonaro”, stated the deputy.
“You are committing a crime, interfering in a trial that is still ongoing. There are groups that are yet to be judged. What a disappointment. Whoever votes in favor of this is writing their biography in the worst possible way”, he added.
In response, Hugo recalled that the PT “was against the text of the 1988 Constitution” during the constituent process. Although it signed the final document, the party did not participate in the promulgation ceremony and voted against several provisions.
“I have had a lot of respect for the speakers, but hearing PT members repeatedly invoke Ulysses Guimarães, when the party itself voted against the current Constitution, is truly a historical inconsistency”, countered the president of the Chamber.
Later, during the session, the issue was addressed again. This time, deputy Benedita da Silva (PT-RJ) tried to correct Hugo’s speech, but was interrupted by the president himself.
“I say this because of Your Excellency’s statement, saying that the Workers’ Party didn’t even sign the Constitution”, said Benedita, being soon interrupted by Motta: “I have a lot of respect for Your Excellency, but what I said is that the PT voted against the Constitution. And that is true.”
Benedita, however, participated in the National Constituent Assembly.
