Max Russi, the President of the Assembleia Legislativa de Mato Grosso (ALMT), has taken significant steps toward fostering the rights and welfare of Indigenous peoples as well as combating violence against women. On February 7, coinciding with the National Indigenous People's Day, Russi emphasized his commitment to promote the rights and cultural recognition of Indigenous communities throughout Mato Grosso.
Recognizing the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, particularly concerning land issues and resource exploitation, Russi noted, "Our state has the highest concentration of Indigenous peoples worldwide, filled with demarcated areas and problems stemming from agrarian issues and natural resource exploitation. It is prudent and necessary to draw attention to the social conditions of these peoples and assist with the basics for the survival of these citizens." These remarks underline the pressing need for legislative and social initiatives.
Among the key initiatives he spearheaded is the Ser Família Indigenous program, which provides financial assistance to vulnerable Indigenous communities. This program emerged under the broader Ser Família initiative driven by the state's First Lady, Virgínia Mendes. Russi's push for the inclusion of Indigenous peoples has made significant strides, transforming this financial aid initiative from concept to reality.
"It is fundamental for public authorities to recognize and respect the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. They are an integral part of our identity and diversity. On this day marking the struggle of these people, I reaffirm my commitment to work alongside these communities, listening to their needs and defending their rights," he continued, illustrating his dedication to advocacy.
Moving beyond Indigenous advocacy, Russi has also placed great importance on women's rights during his tenure. He has focused on dialogues within the Assembly to address the alarming rates of violence faced by women in Mato Grosso. He stated, "The creation of the Women's Attorney was progress, but there is still much to be done. Recent cases, such as the one in Confresa, highlight the urgency of this battle." His remarks resonate with the increasing need to protect women and promote their rights.
To this end, the ALMT has approved various legislative measures aimed at protecting women from domestic violence and sexual assault. One key achievement is the law establishing guidelines for the dissemination of information about public services available to women facing violence. "Our proposal fundamentally aims to promote greater visibility of specialized services and encourage stronger integration of these resources, so they function together as a network. This law mandates continuous and permanent dissemination via physical and especially digital media, ensuring the guide remains updated and easily accessible," Russi explained.
Russi's commitments extend beyond legislative measures as he has also emphasized the importance of community efforts. He believes political action is collaborative and maintains, "I trust the fundamental role of my fellow parliamentarians and know together we will honor this mission with integrity. The success of the administration depends on everyone's effort, aligning with the population's expectations." This collaborative spirit exemplifies his approach to governance and societal progress.
His background adds depth to his leadership: Max Russi has traversed from the spheres of business to public service, nurturing his desire to uplift communities. He initially entered politics with the aim of helping those marginalized and underrepresented. Having gained experience as mayor and now serving as state representative, he has witnessed firsthand the cumulative struggles faced by his constituents. Since his election to the ALMT, Russi has viewed these priorities as central to his political agenda.
Over his career, he has made strides within the community, winning long-standing respect and admiration. Recently re-elected for three consecutive terms, he achieved notable success with over 70,000 votes, demonstrating the trust placed upon him by the electorate. Another significant feat during his career was the establishment of the largest social promotion project, Pró-Família, under the Secretaria de Estado de Assistência Social e Cidadania, aiding over 22,000 families to break free from poverty.
Max Russi’s leadership reflects not just political ambition but also personal connection and responsibility for the communities he serves. His advocacy for Indigenous rights and the protection of women reveals not only the pressing social issues currently plaguing Mato Grosso, but also the potential for transformative change through dedicated political action.
Russi’s efforts to create both awareness and legislative frameworks around these significant issues might serve as guiding examples for future political initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and social justice. The dual focus on Indigenous populations and women's rights positions him as a pivotal figure in the contemporary political discourse of Mato Grosso.