Recent statements by prominent bishops who are critical of President Fernandez’s re-election ambitions have stirred a debate and provoked harsh remarks from leading PLD members. Franklin Almeyda, currently the Minister of the Interior and Police, told Hoy reporters that the bishops’ remarks were motivated by a political agenda. Higher Education Minister Ligia Amada Melo told reporters that Bishop Camilo was a habitual protestor, “so much so that if a golden cathedral was built for him, the next day he would ask for a highway next to it.” Melo said that Camilo was a PRD party sympathizer, which is why he never objected to former President Hipolito Mejia’s own re-election bid. The minister was quick to add that she did not think that Bishop Camilo’s comments represented mainstream Catholic Church opinion. Last week both bishops made public statements saying that re-election attempts are negative as they lead to economic unrest and “a lot of money is diverted from the people to the campaigns.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Recent statements by prominent bishops who are critical of President Fernandez’s re-election ambitions have stirred a debate and provoked harsh remarks from leading PLD members. Franklin Almeyda, currently the Minister of the Interior and Police, told Hoy reporters that the bishops’ remarks were motivated by a political agenda. Higher Education Minister Ligia Amada Melo told … <\/p>\n