The senator participated in the , this Tuesday (16), session remotely, while he is in the United States acting as a commentator for the . The session is semi-presential and the plenary was empty, despite 60 senators having registered their presence.
Romário will maintain his mandate during the World Cup with the expectation that the House will operate on a semi-presential basis during this period.
Via video, Romário spoke about the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. Last week, the Senate approved a project, reported by Romário, to grant exemption from Service Tax (ISS) to companies involved in organizing the tournament.
In May, the plenary had already approved an Executive Branch project that establishes rules for the Women’s Cup, such as the operation of commerce, advertising of alcoholic beverages, the possibility of a holiday decree or optional point, among others.
“Brazil is breathing football. I’m following our team closely here, but I want to talk about our women’s football,” said Romário.
He then criticized the 2014 World Cup scandals in Brazil, such as overpriced stadiums and misappropriation of resources, and stated that the women’s World Cup will be different.
“I sincerely hope we have learned our lesson. […] Without any budgetary impact, the stadiums will be the same as those used in the 2014 World Cup, in eight venues, as well as in the current World Cup. Only adjustments and adaptations will be made, and there is no prediction of any pharaonic work”, he added.
By maintaining his mandate, Romário will continue to receive his salary of more than R$46,000 even though he is outside Brazil. In Romário’s opinion, it will be possible to reconcile the work of football commentator with the mandate of Senator during this period. His team stated that the offices in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro will remain open for service.
“In semi-presential sessions, the senator will register attendance and participate remotely in the votes, as provided for in the Rules of the Federal Senate. If in-person sessions are called, exactly the same rules valid for any parliamentarian will apply to him”, stated the senator’s team.
The parliamentarian stated that this is “a private activity that is perfectly compatible with parliamentary activities”. “Just look at the number of senators and deputies who perform other functions in parallel to their mandate.”
In addition to , Romário also debuted a column in the newspaper O Globo. The 1994 World Cup champion will publish analyzes after the Brazilian team’s games. The first was published on Saturday (13), after the draw against Morocco.
In addition to having to participate remotely in the Senate plenary sessions, Romário will also need to follow the discussions of the Sports and Social Affairs committees.
Last Wednesday (10), Romário was present in the Senate plenary, but he no longer voted on the STJ (Minister of the Superior Court of Justice) nomination of Benedito Gonçalves for the CNJ (National Council of Justice).
When contacted, the Senate informed that “there is no legal impediment” for a sitting senator to “carry out additional remunerated activity, as long as there is compatibility of schedules with the activities of the Senate and the restrictions” provided for in the Federal Constitution are observed.
“Senator Romário officially communicated his departure from the country to the Board of Directors”, informed the Senate’s press office.
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