Senator Romário Forfeits Salary While Serving Remotely During World Cup
Senator Romário has announced he will forgo his salary during his time in the United States covering the World Cup. The move follows public pressure, with the senator reaffirming his commitment to his legislative duties, particularly the upcoming vote on the 6x1 work week reform.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- Senator Romário will forfeit his salary from June 11 to July 19 while abroad.
- The senator is working remotely to participate in legislative votes from the United States.
- Romário remains committed to voting in favor of ending the 6x1 work week.
- Senate President Davi Alcolumbre defended the senator against social media criticism.
Senator Romário, the legendary football icon turned politician, has officially announced that he will forfeit his parliamentary salary during his stay in the United States. The decision comes as he balances his legislative duties with his role as a commentator for the Copa do Mundo.
Romário Clarifies Stance on 6x1 Work Week
Following public pressure on social media regarding his professional commitments abroad, Romário submitted a formal request to the President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre. In this document, the senator requested that his salary be suspended from June 11 to July 19. He emphasized that any payments inadvertently processed during this window should be returned to the public coffers, asserting that his choice was entirely voluntary.
Beyond the financial gesture, Romário addressed his motivation for maintaining his mandate while traveling. He explicitly stated that he did not want to take a leave of absence to ensure he remains eligible to vote on key legislative matters. Specifically, he highlighted his commitment to support the proposed amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that seeks to abolish the 6x1 work schedule. By continuing his service, he aims to participate directly in upcoming deliberations on this labor reform.
Senator Romário clarified that modern technology allows him to fulfill his duties from abroad. He has been participating in Senate sessions via videoconferencing, utilizing the remote deliberation system available to all parliamentarians. This method enables him to vote and contribute to legislative discussions without needing to be physically present in the capital.
Political Support and Legislative Commitment
The decision by Romário has drawn attention due to his party affiliation. While he is a member of the Liberal Party (PL), his vocal support for ending the 6x1 work week puts him at odds with some leadership within his own political group. Despite the potential controversy, the senator maintains that his priority is the well-being of the Brazilian population.
Senate President Davi Alcolumbre defended the former athlete, praising him for representing Brazil globally and upholding his duties despite facing intense criticism. Alcolumbre noted that such political polarization frequently leads to unfounded attacks on representatives. By choosing to forego his salary during his time in the United States, Romário hopes to eliminate any doubts regarding his dedication to his public office and his responsibility to his constituents in Rio de Janeiro.
