Janaína Lima, who served for eight years, faced backlash on social media for removing personal bathroom fixtures after losing her recent re-election bid.
Toilet Heist: Brazilian Ex-Councillor Returns Removed Bathroom Fixtures
Toilet Heist: Brazilian Ex-Councillor Returns Removed Bathroom Fixtures
A former Sao Paulo city councillor has returned a toilet and sinks taken from her office after public outrage.
In a dramatic turn of events, the city council had to manage the uproar following Lima's decision to take with her the toilet and sinks she had installed using personal funds when she took office. The incident gained traction online when CCTV footage surfaced of her employees removing the fixtures just as Lima’s tenure ended. She later stated her intention to return them to the chamber in light of the criticisms, asserting that "neither I nor my advisers need a toilet."
The councillor justified her actions by emphasizing that the renovations were her personal property and that she adhered to legal advice regarding the removal of all items she personally financed. Lima has further explained the sensitivity of the building’s plumbing system, partially revealing her concerns over the infrastructure.
Despite returning the toilet, other enhancements she funded, such as glass partitions and unique light fittings, will remain for her successor, Adrilles Jorge, who humorously remarked about his team relying on “communal” facilities until the matter is resolved.
The newly elected councillor expressed surprise at the extent of the removals, indicating he had appreciated the office's architecture and expected certain fixtures to remain. Amid the controversy, the House’s new president, Ricardo Teixeira, assured the public that "appropriate measures" would be examined regarding the situation.
The councillor justified her actions by emphasizing that the renovations were her personal property and that she adhered to legal advice regarding the removal of all items she personally financed. Lima has further explained the sensitivity of the building’s plumbing system, partially revealing her concerns over the infrastructure.
Despite returning the toilet, other enhancements she funded, such as glass partitions and unique light fittings, will remain for her successor, Adrilles Jorge, who humorously remarked about his team relying on “communal” facilities until the matter is resolved.
The newly elected councillor expressed surprise at the extent of the removals, indicating he had appreciated the office's architecture and expected certain fixtures to remain. Amid the controversy, the House’s new president, Ricardo Teixeira, assured the public that "appropriate measures" would be examined regarding the situation.
