Marina Silva agrees to replace Eduardo Campos for president

Former Environment Minister and presidential running mate Marina Silva has agreed to head the ticket running under the “United for Brazil” coalition. She is being considered to replace the former governor of Pernambuco, Eduardo Campos, of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), following his death in air crash on Wednesday (Aug. 13).

A final decision on who will replace Campos is expected by Wednesday (20), when the National PSB Leadership convenes its deputies, senators, and front leaders in Brasília.

Last Friday (15), PSB Chairman Roberto Amaral visited Marina Silva to ask her permission for a consultation with PSB and the coalition's other five parties about launching her as the main candidate. Silva is the founder of the Sustainability Network (REDE), which has not yet succeeded in raising the minimum required level of support to be registered as a political party.

Deputy Roberto Freire, chairman of the Popular Socialist Party (PPS), told Agência Brasil that his party was the first in the coalition to recommend Silva as a replacement for Campos. “Marina Silva can bring the coalition parties closer together,” he explained. According to him, there is considerable consensus around her name for the contest. And in case she is confirmed at the head, Freire thinks PSB should appoint the running mate. “But our top priority now is to secure Marina Silva's candidacy,” he said.

The United for Brazil coalition has until August 23 to communicate its choice to the Electoral Court.

Translated by Mayra Borges