Previously expected at the XIV Lisbon Forum, known as “Gilmarpalooza” – in reference to the Lollapalooza music festival -, the president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), chose not to go to the event linked to Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes in the Portuguese capital. This Monday (1st), he will participate in a federal government ceremony in Macapá, Amapá, his electoral stronghold.
Alongside the Minister of Communications, Frederico de Siqueira Filho, he will participate in the delivery of Infovia 03 – the federal government’s action to expand connectivity infrastructure in the Legal Amazon. The intention is to increase internet speed in the state and connect regions that are currently underserved by technology.
“The initiative uses fiber optic cables submerged in the riverbeds of the Amazon to expand access to connectivity and strengthen essential public services, such as education, health, public security, research and digital inclusion”, informs the Communications department.
The presence of the governor of Amapá, Clécio Luís (União Brasil), pre-candidate for re-election and ally of Alcolumbre, is also expected to be present at the ceremony.
Despite going to the federal government event, Alcolumbre continues to have a strained relationship with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), especially after the Senate’s rejection of Jorge Messias’ presidential nomination to the Supreme Court.
Government members have been mobilizing since last week for Lula and Alcolumbre to meet. The plan was for the meeting to take place shortly after the approval of the , which did not happen.
Alcolumbre has been sought out by Lula’s interlocutors. Despite not being closed to the meeting, the message from the Palace sent via intermediaries has bothered the president of the Senate.
The two presidents have not spoken for more than a month. The assessment in the Senate is that Alcolumbre cannot hold the vote on the PEC (Proposed Amendment to the Constitution) given the proximity of the elections. The president’s entourage states that he will follow the rules and should neither speed up nor delay the process.
The XIV Lisbon Forum has become one of the main political discussion events with the participation of Brazilian authorities from both the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary branches. This year’s event takes place between Monday and Wednesday (3).
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, (Republicanos-PB), is confirmed for the opening table alongside Gilmar Mendes, among others. More parliamentarians will also be present at the event, including the possibility of expenses financed by Congress.
