Brazil: Defense anticipates inauguration of the new commanders appointed by Lula da Silva

Brazilian General Júlio Cesar de Arruda is expected to assume command of the Army on Friday (30), two days before President-elect Lula (PT) takes office.

The anticipation was agreed between the future Minister of Defense José Múcio Monteiro and the current holder of the portfolio, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, in a meeting on Monday (26), according to information from the Valor Econômico newspaper.

Another anticipation should happen in the change of command of the Navy, with the departure of the squadron admiral Almir Garnier and the entry of Marcos Sampaio Olsen between today (27) and Thursday (29).

Only the new commander of the Air Force, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, should assume the position next year, on January 2nd, replacing Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior.

Chosen by the Worker’s Party (PT) for the post, Arruda will occupy the position amid pressure from authorities and supporters of the new government to dismantle the protesters’ camp in front of the Army headquarters, in Brasília.

The expectation is that with the change in command of the corporation, the treatment given to the group will change. The Secretary of Public Security of the Federal District has already stated that he intends to dismantle the camp before the inauguration ceremony.

The choice of names in the Armed Forces respected the criterion of seniority, a tradition in which the President of the Republic appoints one of the three general officers with the longest time at the top of his career to assume command of his respective armed force.

Lula da Silva met on December 16 with the general officers chosen by him to command the Army, Navy and Air Force. Among other matters addressed, the PT party signaled budgetary resources and pledged to maintain strategic military programs. The signaling was considered positive.

With information from Gazeta do Povo

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