Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Transparency Event
It was a sunny October afternoon, and the Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília was packed. Thousands of people had accepted the invitation of Gustavo Andrade, the newly elected president of Brazil, to a historic event of dialogue and transparency. The idea of the event was simple but powerful: Gustavo wanted to present his proposals, listen to the people, and make sure everyone knew that his government would be conducted in an open manner, with everyone's involvement.
The stage was set up in the center of the square, with a large screen behind Gustavo and chairs for the guests around it. The audience, standing, waited anxiously while journalists from all the major media outlets in the country and around the world were present, ready to cover the event that, more than a formality, seemed like the beginning of a new era in Brazilian politics.
Gustavo took the stage wearing a simple white shirt and black pants. No ties or formal attire. He wanted the people to see him as one of them, a leader who was approachable and accessible. Beside him, Paola Oliveira, his partner and a beloved figure for millions of Brazilians, was sitting with a calm smile, watching the action.
When Gustavo took the microphone, the audience fell silent instantly, listening attentively to every word he would say.
"Good afternoon, Brazil!" he began, with a smile on his face and a firm voice, projecting confidence and calm. "Today we are here for something very important. I wanted to hold this event so that all of you could hear directly from me what we are going to do in the coming months and years. This will be a different government. It will be a government of transparency and popular participation. Brazil does not belong to politicians; it belongs to each and every one of you."
The audience applauded warmly, already sensing the tone of closeness that Gustavo wanted to establish.
"I know that many of you are worried about the future. Brazilian politics has been stained by decades of corruption, empty promises and a lack of commitment to the people. But today, I am here to say that all of this is about to change. And change begins with truth and transparency." Gustavo paused, looking at the people in front of him. He saw faces of all ages and social classes, from workers to students, from families to young activists.
"I will not govern from a closed office, making decisions for you. My government will be built with you. The proposals I will present today are the beginning of a long journey, and I want you to help me shape them. Because you know what Brazil needs as much as I do."
The crowd applauded again, and Gustavo continued, calling some of his top aides to the stage to help with the presentation.
"First, let's talk about education. I know that for many years, our schools have been neglected. It is not possible to build a strong country without a solid educational foundation. Our first proposal is a major investment in basic education. We want to increase teachers' salaries, modernize schools, and create programs that encourage reading and critical thinking. The future of Brazil is in the hands of our young people, and we need to give them all the tools they need to succeed.
He turned to the screen, where a simple graph showed the distribution of new investments in education.
— These are not just numbers. Every cent invested will be a step towards ensuring that no Brazilian child is left behind. We will ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of where they live or their social status.
A teacher in the audience raised her hand and Gustavo called on her to speak.
— Mr. President, I have been a teacher for over twenty years, and I have lost count of how many times they have promised changes in education, but I have never seen results. How can we be sure that this time it will be different? — she asked, with a tone of legitimate concern.
Gustavo looked her in the eye and replied:
— I understand your skepticism, and you have every right to be. But this time it will be different because I am making all decisions visible to everyone. You, teachers, will be part of the process. We will create a national education committee with professionals in the field, so that each decision is made jointly. What's more, we will monitor every real invested, and you will be able to follow everything online, in real time, to ensure that the money goes where it is needed.
The professor nodded, her eyes shining with hope. The audience applauded again, and Gustavo continued.
"Now, about health. We have overwhelmed hospitals, a shortage of doctors, and a population that suffers from delays in care. The first thing we will do is increase the number of health professionals in the most deprived areas. We will build new hospitals and, more importantly, ensure that the hospitals that already exist function as they should."
He looked at the crowd again, seriously.
"In addition, we will implement a national preventive health program. Brazil needs to take care of its citizens before they get sick. This includes programs to raise awareness about healthy eating, exercise, and combating drug use. We want a healthy country, not just by curing diseases, but by preventing them."
A doctor who was present at the event raised his hand, and Gustavo gave him the floor.
"President, preventive health is indeed crucial, but how do you intend to implement this in such a vast country with such different realities?" the doctor asked.
"Excellent point," Gustavo replied. — The key will be to adapt actions to each region. What works in São Paulo may not work in the interior of the Amazon. Therefore, we will decentralize management, working with governors, mayors and, of course, with local health professionals. The idea is to create a collaborative network, where each state can develop its own preventive health strategies, with the support of the federal government.
The media present recorded every detail. The event was already being broadcast live by several TV stations, and social networks were buzzing with comments and videos about Gustavo's proposals.
— Last but not least, let's talk about security. Many of you know my past in the Federal Police. I know the reality of crime in Brazil. We will strengthen our police forces, but more importantly, we will work on crime prevention. Creating opportunities, providing education and jobs is the best way to combat crime at its roots.
At this point, Gustavo opened the floor for questions from the audience. He wanted people to leave with the certainty that their voices were being heard and that their concerns would be taken seriously.
"We are ready for a new Brazil. A Brazil that values its people, that invests in the future and that cares for the most vulnerable. I promised transparency, and that is what I will deliver. This is the first of many events like this. Stay tuned, participate. This government is yours as much as it is mine. Together, we will build a country that we can all be proud of."
With these words, Gustavo ended his speech. The event had been a resounding success. People left feeling more confident, more hopeful. And Brazil was now certain that, with Gustavo in power, a new era was beginning.
After the event, social media exploded with positive reactions, and the media praised the transparency and openness of the new president. Gustavo knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to walk side by side with the people in search of the Brazil that everyone dreamed of.