In a packed gym, Pivetta is officially a candidate for re-election

“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine such a simple and strong moment in my existence,” said Pivetta during his speech at the convention.

"I'm here today to renew my commitment, which I made four years ago with you, together with Mauro. To deliver our best every day, to work, to build a State that allows everyone to have an emancipatory public education", he added.

In a conversation with the press, minutes before the convention, the governor praised the choice of his deputy, federal deputy Fábio Garcia. According to him, the decision was made due to the parliamentary electoral density.

Garcia was approved to be vice president after a petition from 122 mayors affiliated with the Union, Republicans, Podemos, MDB and even the PL.

"It strengthens. Fábio is a very dear person, I heard many expressions from all over the State. He is a person who has contributed a lot to our government in recent times, he has experience, he has credibility and he has my trust too", he said.

"We take into consideration the person who is best able to help us carry out a good mandate. At this moment, despite having some women, we evaluated some, but depending on all the circumstances, Fábio scored more points and that is why we chose him", he added.

Before Fábio, Pivetta even considered an alliance with the MDB, run by Senate pre-candidate Janaina Riva. She, however, decided to close with the rival group, from government candidate Wellington Fagundes (PL).

Pivetta denied that there was a “defeat” for his group in the PL-MDB alliance.

"I think everything is fine, each person makes their own choices, seeks their side, that's normal in politics. It wasn't a defeat at all, I consider myself privileged to have a sufficient allied base to feel comfortable in contesting an election," he said.

“Nothing went wrong, there were conversations, there were dialogues, there was nothing, she made her choices, I am walking on my own two feet, catalyzing support that agrees with my ideas”, he stated.

Waiting for alliance

Pivetta also said he was waiting for an alliance with Podemos, run by the president of the Legislative Assembly Max Russi. The party held the convention this afternoon, but did not define support for the current manager or the PL's opposing party.

In this way, the Republican convention must keep the minutes open in order to accommodate Podemos.

Party decisions must be registered at the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-MT) by Wednesday night (5).

"I talked a lot with Max, I hope he thinks about it until tomorrow, he, the candidates, give his ticket. I believe everything will be fine", he said.

“It is a right that each party has [to dialogue], I respect all parties and I respect the candidates”, he added.

“Let’s go to battle”

Finally, the governor said he was ready for the electoral dispute. He said he was calm and prepared to show the results of his management alongside former governor Mauro Mendes (União).

“I am serene, calm and optimistic, we have a beautiful support base, people who look like me, I am happy”, he said in one of the excerpts of the interview.

“We are going into battle, from now on the campaign begins, we are going to speak directly to the population and we are going to contest an election as has been done for a long time in Brazil”, he added.