Translation of article “Marcelo Freixo: ‘O PSOL não vai comandar uma revolução.’” From O Dia, published April 21, 2012. Edited for brevity.
RIO – In 2008, State Representative Marcelo Freixo (PSOL, Socialism and Liberty Party) presided over the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiries (CPI) of Militias of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). He has received numerous death threats, and only goes out accompanied by a security detail; a precaution that will complicate his latest endeavor: campaigning for mayor of Rio de Janeiro.
O Dia – You were born in São Gonçalo and lived in Niterói until 2010. Why not run for mayor of Niterói?
Marcelo Freixo – My dedication was never confined to one district, and neither was my mandate: 65% of the votes I received in the last election–this was a very expressive election, it had the second highest voter turnout in the state–were from Rio de Janeiro. This is an important fact to recognize. I was never a representative of local causes, I was always what they call a “representative of opinion.” Representatives of opinion debate big policy ideas. I have always been militantly devoted to human rights and public security. This debate was never confined to one city, neither Rio nor Niterói; it is a broad subject. Moreover, my party considers me a strong candidate, on account of the last election. So my candidacy is a strategic move for the party, because I am a strong contender in Rio.
OD - Some people are saying that because you chose Marcelo Yuka (a former member of the musical group O Rappa) to run for deputy mayor, that you are more interested in being a pop star than being mayor. Do you really want to win this election?










