Temer picks Meirelles to run for president in his party

Brazilian President Michel Temer complimented his former Finance Minister, Henrique Meirelles, whom he referred to as a likely presidential hopeful in the 2018 elections: “Meirelles is the best among the best. He gathers all the qualities to lead not just the party, but the electoral campaign,” Temer said at an event held by his Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB).

“The office of the president requires liturgy, ritual, decorum, patience, responsibility, competence, good faith, and, above all, a conciliating tone. I’ve made the decision to choose this humble man from Goiás [state] to win the world over. I’ve chosen Meirelles for his seriousness, respect, and character, regardless of political and ideological views,” Temer said. These statements show that the Brazilian president has given up seeking re-election—as he himself had said he considered doing.

"I’ve chosen Meirelles for his seriousness, respect, and character, regardless of political and ideological views,” Temer said - Antonio Cruz/Agência Brasil

Temer went on to say that a document released by his party today discloses “guidelines for the community.” He criticized candidates that present themselves as the salvation for the country and argued that voters should choose not just a candidate, but also his/her plan of government. He also sent a message to his fellow party members: “Do not accept those who only say what should be done; one must show how it’s done. We mustn’t fool around, or the crisis might return.”

A moderate stance

The president and the former minister said they opposed the extreme arguments that often arise during electoral campaigns. Henrique Meirelles delivered his first address after the informal announcement of his candidacy: “I am concerned with radical ideas that segregate. I’m a radical myself—for freedom in its most radical sense, where everybody is free to choose their own path. I’m a radical for a solid economy. I’m often asked why I have put my name at the disposal of a party. I tell them it’s not a matter of why, but rather the effort to keep radicalism from prevailing.”

“We’re not radical in the defense of extremes. We hope you’re the only candidate in the center, and that you continue what we’ve started,” Michel Temer added.