Federal deputy Ivan Valente (-SP) gathered supporters and left-wing political leaders this Saturday (9) in São Paulo to officially announce his retirement as a parliamentarian. At 80 years old, and after 40 years as a state and federal deputy, he will not run for a new term.
In the act, however, he said that he will continue to be a left-wing political activist. One of his flags at the moment is the defense of the Palestinian cause. During an event, held at the headquarters of the Academia Paulista de Letras, in Largo do Arouche, center of the capital, Valente wore a banner in honor of the Palestinians.
Politicians from different generations of the left and veterans of the resistance to the military dictatorship took part in the event, including a former cellmate of Valente’s in prison.
One of the most applauded was federal deputy Luiza Erundina (PSOL-SP), 91, who recalled her journey of more than 50 years alongside Valente, which began in , where they both served. Erundina, who will run for state deputy, said she hopes to have “judgment” and always remain close to Valente.
State deputy, Eduardo Suplicy (PT) sang “Blowin’ in the Wind”, a song by Bob Dylan, on stage, alongside the honoree.
Also present were former deputy José Genoino, the PSOL leader in the Chamber, Tarcísio Motta (RJ), the party’s national president, Paula Coradi, and the president of the PSOL-Rede federation, Juliano Medeiros – who is expected to run for federal deputy as Valente’s political heir.
Several politicians also sent video statements, including former ministers Fernando Haddad and Gleisi Hoffmann, federal deputy Chico Alencar (PSOL-RJ) and senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP).
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