The Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, took office this Monday (2) and stated that the anti-democratic demonstrations in front of the army headquarters are "democratic" and should gradually lose support, without repression.
Known for his discreet and articulate profile, Múcio was chosen by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) for the position with the objective of handling the crisis and conducting the intricate transition of the cabinet. He also said that, in the cabinet, he wants to maintain military traditions. In this context, he says, he chose the commanders of the Armed Forces, preserving the criterion of seniority, through a quick internet search. "When Lula called me, he said: 'Look, you choose the commanders and then we'll talk about it.' After lunch, he called me and I said that I had already invited all the commanders," he said.
He also stated that he did not personally know "any of the commanders". "I went online, I saw who was the most senior and they became commanders. Whoever was the second became the first, the third became the second", he completed.
Translated by Cassy Dias