The pre-candidate for the Government of Sergipe stated that he was against the participation of women in politics. In an interview with a radio station in the interior of the state, he denied that his wife would be a candidate and then went on to criticize female participation in general.
“My wife doesn’t get involved in politics. None do. Women in politics… forget it,” said Valmir de Francisquinho to Rádio Itabaiana, on Friday (8).
This Tuesday (12), Valmir defended himself. The pre-candidate claimed to be the target of “attacks” from opponents and said that, when he was mayor of Itabaiana, the fourth largest city in Sergipe, he placed women in positions of power in his administration. He was elected three times in the municipality, the last time in 2024.
“My record is one of great decency and respect for all women. In 2012, I was a candidate and chose a woman for vice-mayor, as I understand the importance of women for public administration. I had 13 secretaries in the first administration, 9 were [chefiadas] by women”, he said in an interview with another radio station.
Regarding his wife, Monique Cruz Santos, Valmir explained by saying that he had previously spoken to his partner about the possibility of a candidacy: “My wife is a lawyer, a freelance professional, she does what she wants. But we talked. […] She had already said that she has no intentions [políticas]”, said Valmir.
The speech was criticized and armed opponents. State deputy Kitty Lima (PSB) stated: “When a man says that women don’t enter politics, he’s not just talking about his own home, he’s exposing a backward view of women’s place in society.”
Valmir de Francisquinho previously tried to run for the Government of Sergipe. In 2022, he unanimously voted in the TRE-SE (Regional Electoral Court of Sergipe) because of a conviction for abuse of economic power in 2019.
In this year’s election, he will compete with governor Fábio Mitidieri (PSB), who will seek re-election.
