The project of former councilor Alexandre Bobadra (PL), impeached for abuse of economic power in the 2020 elections, establishes that the capital of Rio Grande do Sul has the date of January 8 as “Patriot’s Day”. The proposal was enacted on the 25th, in addition to having the support of Mayor Sebastião Melo (MDB), who remained silent.
We were astounded by the news that the City Council of Porto Alegre, which should represent the people, supported the project that instituted the 8th of January as “Patriot’s Day. In addition to being an insult to the intelligence of Porto Alegre, it is yet another political absurdity for the fascists. For us, what matters is the project by councilor Aldacir Oliboni (PT), approved in June, establishing that January 8 is the Day in Defense of Democracy in Porto Alegre.
:: PGR sues the STF against the law that established January 8 as ‘Patriot’s Day’ in Porto Alegre: ‘Inadmissible’ ::
January 8, 2023 was marked as one of the biggest attacks on democracy in our country. On that day, a horde of individuals calling themselves “Patriots” occupied Brasília and, with the connivance of the Army and the DF Police, invaded the National Congress, the Planalto Palace and the STF. In their insanity, they plundered, stole and tried to destroy symbols of the democratic rule of law in the country. That episode, in the eyes of the world, became a worldwide shame.
Today, it became clear that it was not an isolated action. Former President Bolsonaro and those around him have fueled the coup attempt since before the elections. First, they attacked the STF, the TSE and spread false news to discredit the elections and the electronic voting machines, without proof. This process continued throughout the election.
:: Porto Alegre City Council starts process to revoke ‘Patriot’s Day’ ::
After the elections, preparations were made for a coup to prevent the legitimately elected president from taking office. This included fascist encampments in front of the barracks, bomb attacks in Brasília and several articulations to involve the Army and carry out a coup d’état.
With all these failed attempts, the coup leaders articulated the last attack on the emblematic January 8th. They failed, lost support, many went to jail and many others were and continue to be investigated. Among them, the high ranks.
:: Sakamoto: Porto Alegre celebrates coup bandit by making 8/1 Patriot’s Day ::
Therefore, January 8th should not be celebrated. The date must be remembered as one of the saddest chapters in our history. The approval of this project, by the majority of Porto Alegre councilors, with the connivance of Mayor Melo, who is also a fascist, and his omission by not vetoing this shameful and anti-democratic project, stain the history of the city.
I am sure that the majority of the people of Porto Alegre are defenders of democracy and do not agree with this fascist project. It does not represent the population of the city. It is necessary to reaffirm the ‘fascists out’. Cheers to democracy, to our people, workers and warriors.
* Vice-president of CUT RS and former president of SindBancários
** This is an opinion article. The author’s view does not necessarily express the editorial line of the newspaper Brasil de Fato.
