The mayor of Marabá, Toni Cunha (PL-PA), sharply criticized President Lula on Friday (December 19) for allegedly canceling a R$ 1 million transfer from the Ministry of Tourism for a New Year's show by Zezé Di Camargo. Cunha attributed the decision to political persecution against the singer, who has opposed the government. The municipality plans to sue to recover the funds.
The mayor of Marabá, in Pará state, Toni Cunha of the Liberal Party (PL), posted a video on social media on December 19 criticizing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The accusation followed the cancellation of a R$ 1 million transfer already committed by the Ministry of Tourism to fund a New Year's show by country singer Zezé Di Camargo in the city.
According to Cunha, the federal government had pledged the funds through Minister Celso Sabino, whom the mayor described as a 'democrat.' However, on the eve of the event, the city hall was notified of the cancellation, which Cunha attributes to Lula's 'personal feelings.' 'What a shame, Luli!', the mayor exclaimed in the video.
Cunha stated: 'Lula, you are president, whether we like it or not, of Brazil. You are not the owner of the Brazilian people's money. In Marabá, there are Brazilians. Your government, through what was until then a democratic exercise by Minister Celso Sabino, committed to funding Zezé Di Camargo's show in Marabá for New Year's. The payment had even been earmarked by your government.'
The mayor continued his criticisms, claiming Lula seeks to 'buy the silence of national artists,' contracting only those who support him with federal funds. He warned that 'revenge is poison to one's own soul' and defended freedom of expression. Cunha announced plans to sue to recover the funds and predicted greater rejection of Lula in Marabá.
Zezé's show had been announced by the city hall as the main attraction for the Réveillon, with an estimated cost of R$ 1 million in a direct contract without bidding, which was already drawing criticism on social media for the use of public money. Zezé Di Camargo is at the center of recent controversies, including criticisms of SBT for inviting Lula and statements against Silvio Santos's daughters, complicating his relations with TV networks.
