Lula tells Rio governor: 'Work to arrest all the thieves'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has directly urged the interim governor of Rio de Janeiro to intensify efforts against militias and organized crime. Speaking at an event in Rio, Lula emphasized that the interim governor's mandate should focus on apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities who have previously held power in the state.

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Work to arrest all the thieves who governed this state and deputies who are part of an organized militia.

Lula made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony for new facilities at the Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS) at Fiocruz. He interrupted his speech to call the interim governor, desembargador Ricardo Couto, to the stage. Couto assumed leadership of the state following the resignation of Cláudio Castro, who stepped down to run for the Senate. Castro's administration has faced scrutiny, with Couto's current management reportedly targeting actions taken during Castro's tenure.

The president expressed strong disapproval of the state being allegedly governed by criminal elements. "It is not possible for this powerful, prosperous state to be governed by militiamen. It is not possible. The people of Rio do not deserve this," Lula declared. He voiced concerns that the selection of the next governor might be influenced by the Legislative Assembly, suggesting that such a process could lead to the election of a militia-affiliated figure.

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It is not possible for this powerful, prosperous state to be governed by militiamen. It is not possible. The people of Rio do not deserve this.

Lula pledged federal government support for Couto's administration in combating organized crime. He highlighted the recent launch of the "Brazil Against Organized Crime" plan, a national security initiative allocating R$11 billion (approximately $2.2 billion USD) for public security actions. This funding includes R$10 billion in credit for sector-specific actions and R$1 billion directly from the federal budget managed through the National Public Security Fund.

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Do what many people haven't done in ten years.