Death of Waldemar Borges, historic figure of Pernambuco's left, unites political rivals

Pernambuco, Brazil – State deputy Waldemar Borges, a prominent figure in the left-wing political landscape of Pernambuco, passed away on Saturday at the age of 67 after battling cancer. His death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, including from Governor Raquel Lyra and former Recife Mayor João Campos, who are expected to be rivals in the upcoming October elections.

João Campos, whose father Eduardo Campos was a close friend and political ally of Borges, remembered him as a man of "character, generosity, loyalty, and profound commitment to Pernambuco." He added, "Waldemar was a public servant who honored politics with seriousness, ethics, and public spirit."

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I grew up watching closely the beautiful friendship he built with my father [Eduardo Campos], and over the years, I had the opportunity to know his character, his generosity, his loyalty, and his profound commitment to Pernambuco.

Governor Raquel Lyra, who served alongside Borges in the Legislative Assembly, described their relationship as marked by "respect and love for Pernambuco." In recognition of his dedicated public service, the Pernambuco state government announced an official three-day period of mourning.

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Waldemar was a public servant who honored politics with seriousness, ethics, and public spirit.

Borges, often known as Wal, was a key leader in the Legislative Assembly for the governments of Eduardo Campos, João Lyra Neto (Raquel Lyra's father), and Paulo Câmara, all from the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT). He served four consecutive terms as a state deputy starting in 2011. Prior to his legislative career, he was a city councilor in Recife for four consecutive terms and presided over the Municipal Chamber from 2003 to 2004.

His political career also included roles as secretary in the governments of Miguel Arraes (1995-1999) and Eduardo Campos (2007-2010). Borges was married to Luciana Santos, the current Minister of Science and Technology, with whom he had one daughter. He also had two other children. His wake was scheduled for Sunday at the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco, followed by burial at the Morada da Paz cemetery in Paulista.

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We were colleagues in the Legislative Assembly and had an interaction marked by respect and love for Pernambuco. In recognition of his public life dedicated to our state, the Government of Pernambuco will decree official mourning for three days.