Rio governor cries at event with Lula, hears 'stay' chants

Rio de Janeiro's interim governor, Ricardo Coutinho, was visibly moved during a public event alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, prompting the audience to chant "Fica, fica" (Stay, stay). The emotional moment occurred as Coutinho spoke about the state's adherence to the Propag program, which involves debt payment and social investment commitments, particularly in education and health.

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By signing Propag, the President of the Republic demanded, in a good way, that the savings made by the state be projected towards social actions, especially in education. In education, there is a connection to health as well. So, in this speech of mine, which, I repeat, I don't have political experience, but I have the sensitivity of a judge mentioned here, and sometimes I get emotional. I would like to thank the president.

Coutinho, a judge by profession, explained that while he may lack extensive political experience, he possesses a judge's sensitivity, which sometimes leads to emotional responses. He thanked President Lula for the opportunity to serve the state. The crowd's enthusiastic "Fica" chants followed his remarks, and Lula responded by embracing the governor and commending his work.

President Lula lauded Coutinho's stewardship of Rio de Janeiro, urging him not to dismiss his political acumen. "You are not a partisan politician. You are not in any political party, you are in the Judiciary," Lula stated, adding that Coutinho's opportunity to steer the state away from "immorality" was divinely ordained. He highlighted that Coutinho, never having sought votes, had nonetheless generated significant public expectation in Rio de Janeiro.

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What you are not is a partisan politician. You are not in any political party, you are in the Judiciary. [...] I believe a lot in God. And I think it's not by chance that the opportunity has arisen in your life to save the state of Rio de Janeiro from immorality.

The visit to the Fiocruz health facility in Rio de Janeiro is part of Lula's efforts to bolster support in the state. Coutinho's interim governorship has been positively received by voters, with internal polls suggesting a favorable view of his administration's audits of contracts and dismissals of ghost employees. This initiative aims to counter former President Jair Bolsonaro's advantage in the state, with Lula's campaign seeking to reduce the gap seen in previous elections.

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No one ever voted for you. You never asked anyone for a vote. But I come to Rio de Janeiro a lot. I know many politicians here. No elected politician has created the expectation that these people have in Your Excellency in Rio de Janeiro.