Street in honor of Socrates opens in France with criticism

“We need more than ever to combat the threat that hangs over us.” This is how Raí synthesized the political moment in Brazil and France with the advance of the extreme right. The former São Paulo, PSG and Brazilian team player was one of those present at the inauguration of Rua Doutor Sócrates this Saturday (30), in Saint-Ouen, near Paris, in the heart of the Olympic Village.

The tribute to Sócrates also ended up becoming an act in defense of democracy, with the presence of French and Brazilian politicians, as well as representatives of the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), artists and family members of the former Corinthians player.

Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, French Minister of Sports, and the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, representative of the Lula government, participated in the inauguration.

In his speech, Raí, Sócrates’ brother and PSG idol in Paris, reinforced that “the ideas of democracy and justice” are immortalized with the act. “40 years ago, he stated that he would not leave Brazil if there were direct elections. Today, his ideas go far beyond Brazil. The world is in danger and we need his ideas more than ever”, said the former player.

In a clear reference to the Diretas Já movement, in the 80s, Sócrates’ brother added: “We need a new Anhangabaú”.

The event was marked by demanding current athletes to take a stand in defense of values ​​such as democracy. Mayor Karim Bouamrane of the city of Saint-Ouen, for example, did not show any caution when criticizing the Brazilian Neymar, who defended the colors of the main Paris club in recent years.

“We need to make choices. Either it’s Socrates or it’s Neymar. It’s either democracy or it’s dictatorship. It’s either love or it’s hate”, declared Bouamrane in his speech. “Socrates was the captain of the team. But he carried the values ​​of democracy and freedom”, added the mayor during the inauguration of the street.

Editing: Nicolau Soares