Interim governor of Rio becomes emotional thanking Lula and hears shouts of ‘stay’

Rio de Janeiro's interim governor, Ricardo Couto, was visibly moved during a speech alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a Fiocruz event on Friday. Speaking with a trembling voice, Couto expressed gratitude for the federal government's support, particularly the signing of the State Debt Payment Program (Propag), which facilitates the renegotiation of the state's substantial debt to the Union.

Couto highlighted the "Carreta da Mulher" (a mobile health unit offering gynecological exams) as a symbol of social sensitivity, a quality he believes should guide executive leaders. He thanked the federal government for authorizing Rio's participation in the Propag program in May, noting that the state owes approximately R$200 billion to the Union. The agreement allows Rio to reduce its average monthly debt payments.

President Lula reportedly insisted, "in a good way," that the savings generated by this debt renegotiation be directed towards social policies, especially in education and health. It was when Couto stated he lacked "political clout" but possessed "sensitivity" that his voice faltered, admitting, "Sometimes, I get emotional."

Couto assumed the interim governorship under circumstances marked by political instability. The previous governor, Cláudio Castro, resigned shortly before a Superior Electoral Court (TSE) session that could have declared him ineligible due to alleged abuse of political and economic power. The lieutenant governor had already resigned to take a position on the state's Court of Accounts, and the next in line, the president of the Legislative Assembly, had been removed from office and was preventively detained with his mandate revoked. This succession of vacancies placed the presidency of the Court of Justice, held by Couto, in charge of the executive branch.

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Sometimes, I get emotional.