March 14, 1990
Dijker praises Grandi Alberi dictatorThe candidate's approval of General Maccheroni has alarmed many
Plutarco Dijker
Ciudad Beldad - Plutarco Dijker, currently one of the frontrunners in the upcoming presidential election, has fallen trap to once another controversy after praising the dictator President of Grandi Alberi, Alberto di Maccheroni.
The comments came during an interview on TV Real, where the entrevistador posed a question about the candidate's proposed foreign policy in the western hemisphere.
"Many countries – the government ignores them on baseless measures," Dijker said. "We have nothing to lose by improving trade and relations with, say, Grandi Alberi. President Maccheroni appears to be a good fellow – he's very popular in his country and gets a lot of work done."
President Maccheroni responded to Dijker's comments, saying "Plutarco Dijker is quite honestly the best candidate for the Santa Rosan presidency. He seems to know how to govern a country. I would love to visit his beautiful country when he wins, as well as improve trade."
The Vitolian diaspora community of Santa Rosa, which consists of both Vitolians and Grandi Alberinos, has been shaken by Dijker's comment. While the group tends to lean to the left, many have come over to support Dijker.
"We love Dijker," said Stefano Pessina, don of the Ciudad Beldad Vitolian Cultural Association. "He loves the Vitolian and Alberino people. We love Dijker."
PSD candidate Tito Perez criticized Dijker's comments. "It's worrisome that a mainline presidential candidate is supporting murderous dictators," he said, adding, "We must unilaterally condemn anti-democratic despots."
When asked to clarify his position, Dijker doubled down. "I would invite Maccheroni to Ciudad Beldad and let him see the beautiful beaches and city," he said. "I hope to forge a beautiful friendship with him and his country."
This would not be the first time that Dijker has praised authoritarian rulers. In the past, he has said praise of leaders like General Bautista Ortiz, who became ruler of Santa Rosa after a coup in the 19th century and banned all political opposition.