“Today is the day to say loud and clear: we are still here. We are here to say that we are alive and that democracy is alive, contrary to what the coup plotters planned on January 8, 2023.” With these words, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began his speech at Palácio do Planalto, this Wednesday (8), to mark two years since the failed coup attempt in 2023.
The opening sentence makes a reference to the film “I’m still here”, directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres – Golden Globe winner – about Eunice Paiva’s trajectory during the military dictatorship, after her husband, Rubens Paiva, was arrested and murdered by the regime. The ceremony at Planalto was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, governors and representatives of the Three Powers, in addition to the commanders of the Armed Forces, whom the president made a point of thanking for their participation.
“We are here to remember that, if we are here, it is because democracy won. Otherwise, many of us would perhaps be imprisoned, exiled or dead, as happened in the past. And we will not allow it to happen again”, continued Lula.
In a previous ceremony, the president received back 21 works of art and pieces from the cultural collection of Palácio do Planaltowhich had been vandalized by invaders on January 8, 2023, including an 18th century Swiss watch that belonged to Dom João VI and iconic painting The Mulatas, by Di Cavalcanti.
After the ceremony in the Planalto Noble Hall, Lula and the authorities went down the palace ramp for an event in Praça dos Três Poderes, called Embrace of Democracy, with the presence of popular people and social movements.
Brasília (DF) – Act marks two years since the failed coup attempt in 2023. Photo Lula Marques/ Agência Brasil
Work under construction
Still in his speech in defense of democracy, Lula said that this regime is a work in progress, and needs to be a reality for all people, beyond the speech.
“Democracy for a few is not full democracy. Therefore, democracy will always be a work in progress. Democracy will be full when all Brazilians, without exception, have access to quality food, health, education, security, culture and leisure”, he noted.
Lula continued to highlight the need to build a fairer country, especially for the country’s oppressed social minorities.
“Democracy will be complete when everyone is, in fact, equal before the law, and black skin is no longer the target of the brutality of State agents. When indigenous peoples have the right to their lands, their cultures and their beliefs. When women achieve equal rights, and the right to be wherever they want to be, without being judged, attacked or murdered”, he stated.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, governors and representatives of the Three Powers. Photo Lula Marques/ Agência Brasil
Investigation and punishment
About the attempted coup d’état and the investigations that point to a plot to assassinate himassassinating Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) Alexandre de Moraes, President Lula once again demanded punishment and preached the right to defense.
“Those responsible for January 8th are being investigated and punished. No one has been or will be arrested unjustly. Everyone will pay for the crimes they committed, including those who planned the murders of the president, the vice-president of the Republic and the president of the Superior Electoral Court” .
