20 Facts About Marcello Alencar

Marcello Nunes de Alencar was a Brazilian politician and lawyer.

Marcello Alencar defended political prisoners during the country's military dictatorship era.

In 1969, with the advent of the Institutional Act Number Five, Marcello Alencar himself had his mandate revoked and his political rights suspended.

Marcello Alencar became the chairman of the Banco do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, an influential position which led to his segue into politics.

Marcello Alencar joined the Democratic Labour Party, or PDT, which was led by Leonel Brizola at the time.

Marcello Alencar served until January 1986, when he was succeeded by Saturnino Braga, the first elected mayor following the end of the dictatorship.

Marcello Alencar ran as a candidate for the Federal Senate in 1986, but was defeated in the election.

In 1988, Marcello Alencar was elected to his second term as Mayor, a position he held until 1993.

Marcello Alencar faced a number of challenges during his second term.

Marcello Alencar oversaw a series of economic reforms and public works improvements to the city's infrastructure aimed at reviving the economy during his second term.

Marcello Alencar was a proponent of the Rio Orlo project, which saw the construction of bike paths along the Atlantic coast, as well renovated and remodeled the city's sidewalks.

Marcello Alencar instituted a series of projects which renovated hospitals, schools, streets and other public spaces.

In 1993, Marcello Alencar left the PDT following a series of disputes with his former ally, Leonel Brizola, joining the Brazilian Social Democracy Party that same year.

Marcello Alencar declared his candidacy for Governor of Rio de Janeiro state in 1994 as a member of the PSDB.

Marcello Alencar was elected Governor in the 1994 gubernatorial election and took office on January 1,1995.

Marcello Alencar expanded several Rio de Janeiro Metro lines to lessen the time spent commuting to work.

Marcello Alencar initiated the construction of Via Light, a new highway extending from the Pavuna neighborhood of Rio to the nearby city of Nova Iguacu.

Marcello Alencar served as the President of the Rio de Janeiro state chapter of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party from 1993 to 1995 and again from 2001 until 2005.

Marcello Alencar died at his home in Sao Conrado, Rio de Janeiro, on June 10,2014, at the age of 88.

Marcello Alencar's funeral was held at the Palacio da Cidade in Botafogo.