The ceremony on April 21, 2025, held in Ouro Preto, Brazil, was particularly poignant as it emphasized the defense of democracy against both past and present threats. This year marked the 236th anniversary of the Inconfidência Mineira, the 203rd anniversary of Brazil's Independence, and the 40th anniversary of the end of military dictatorship in the country. Mayor Angelo Oswaldo took to the podium to honor significant figures such as Tiradentes, Juscelino Kubitschek (JK), and Tancredo Neves, all of whom made sacrifices for democracy.
April 21 also holds special significance as it is the 40th anniversary of the death of former president Tancredo Neves and the 65th anniversary of the founding of Brasília. "It was the Day of Tiradentes and also Easter Sunday. Forty years ago today, Brazil mourned the passing of President Tancredo Neves. The country recognized, in Tancredo's sacrifice, the rite of passage to democracy, the achievement of the Constitution, the resumption of development, social progress, and democratic elections. Thus, he was enshrined in history," Oswaldo stated, drawing parallels between Tancredo and Tiradentes, both hailing from the banks of the Rio das Mortes.
Oswaldo's tribute was not without critique, as he lamented the perceived decline of Minas Gerais in the national landscape. "It seems that the essence of Minas is fading, reduced to mere anecdotes and small laughs. The sharpness of talent and the art of politics that once elevated the mineiro in Brazil's expectations have retreated into the pages of history," he remarked. He also called on the governor to invest in local infrastructure and criticized the handling of the Mariana tragedy, which he claimed excluded municipalities from the reparations.
In another significant event, the family of former senator Ronan Tito decided to hold his funeral on April 10, 2025, as a private affair, attended only by family and close friends. Despite this, many politicians, including Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, paid tribute to Tito, noting his contributions to the democratic resistance against the military regime established in 1964.
Meanwhile, a pressing concern emerged regarding the financial situation of public servants in Minas Gerais. Approximately 60,000 workers, including those in essential services like education and health, earn less than the minimum wage, with salaries ranging from R$ 759 to R$ 1,518 in retirement. In 2022, the Supreme Federal Court had prohibited public servant salaries from falling below the minimum wage, even for reduced hours. In response to this ongoing issue, Deputy Beatriz Cerqueira (PT) plans to introduce an amendment ensuring that no state employee receives less than the minimum wage.
As the year progresses, the lack of salary adjustments for public servants is expected to increase the number of those earning less than a minimum wage in 2025. Currently, 75% of the 352,000 public servants in Minas earn up to four minimum wages, while more than 17% do not receive even one. The director of Sinfazfisco, Hugo René, pointed out that the establishment of a minimum wage has been a significant achievement for 85 years.
On April 24, 2025, the government issued an unexpected decree aimed at curbing expenses, which raised eyebrows among public workers. The decree, published in an extra edition of the governor's official gazette, contradicted earlier government statements that highlighted a cash balance of R$ 32 billion and a budget surplus of R$ 5.179 billion for the fiscal year 2023. The Sinfazfisco-MG union expressed disbelief at the decree, asserting that it creates an artificial narrative of fiscal crisis, undermining the real financial health of the state's public finances.
In response to the lack of dialogue from Governor Zema regarding fiscal issues, the Sindifisco-MG union took to the streets, placing billboards in various regions of the state demanding communication. One billboard read, "Zema, talk to the Fisco. We have the solution for the debt." Despite requests for a meeting, the governor has yet to respond.
On the same day that Tancredo Neves was honored, tributes poured in marking the 40th anniversary of his death. Neves, a significant figure in Brazilian politics, was elected president on January 15, 1985, but died just days before his inauguration. His political career began in 1935 when he became a councilor in his hometown of São João del-Rei, and he eventually rose to the position of Minister of Justice under Getúlio Vargas.
Neves's legacy is closely tied to the redemocratization of Brazil. He was a moderate conservative who won the first indirect presidential elections in 1985 but was unable to assume office due to health complications. His death on April 21, 1985, marked a significant moment in Brazilian history as it was a moment of national mourning. José Sarney, who succeeded him, noted that Neves's death was one of the most significant events in Brazil's history.
Tancredo Neves's political journey was marked by his opposition to the military dictatorship that began in 1964. He was a member of the MDB party, which played a crucial role in the fight for democracy. In 1983, the push for direct elections for president gained momentum, led by Deputy Dante de Oliveira, although it ultimately failed in Congress. Following this, Neves was nominated for the presidency by PMDB governors, with the support of the PCdoB, which highlighted the need for unity among opposition forces.
Neves's campaign culminated in a successful election in the Electoral College, where he and running mate José Sarney received 480 votes, defeating the PDS candidates. His victory symbolized a significant step toward the restoration of democracy in Brazil, although it was achieved under a system that still bore the marks of the military regime.
Despite his passing before taking office, Tancredo Neves remains a symbol of hope and resilience for many Brazilians. His contributions to the country's political landscape continue to be remembered and celebrated, particularly during significant commemorations such as the one held on April 21, 2025. As Brazil reflects on its past, the legacy of Neves serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and the importance of honoring those who have fought for it.
