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'I Have Changed'.(Luiz Inacio (Lula) da Silva)(Interview)
This week Luiz Inacio (Lula) da Silva, 57, was elected president of Brazil. Lula, who was born into extreme poverty and never got past elementary school, had lost three previous elections. This time he downplayed his left-wing credentials, moved to the center and promised to maintain the fiscal discipline of outgoing President Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Is da Silva's move to the center sincere or just a tactic? Can he handle the high expectations he has aroused, considering the tight economic situation afflicting Brazil today? Last week, NEWSWEEK's Lally Weymouth sat down with da Silva for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:
WEYMOUTH: What are your plans as president?
DA SILVA: During our campaign we made a commitment. Although Brazil is a country with extraordinary potential, 50 million people live below the poverty line. Brazil is not a poor country, but a country with social inequities, and this is a major issue. The wealth has been concentrated in the hands of a few. So we have made a commitment to reach out to the poorest [sectors].
There are high expectations on the part of the electorate and you've promised to create jobs. How can you do that given Brazil's dire economic situation?
Not much public money is required. Only [increased] production will give Brazil the conditions needed to reduce interest rates and generate the jobs that we need.
There are two ways to generate growth: the free market or the socialist model that relies on the state. Which course do you plan to follow?
I don't think that the state has to manage companies. I remember what President [Franklin] Roosevelt did with the Tennessee Valley Authority. The role of the state is to plan, stimulate development with incentives and, if necessary, provide funding in partnership with the private sector.
- Da Silva is first leftist to serve as Brazil's president in four decades.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) October 27, 2002 700+ words
...of cities across Brazil in a Carnival-like celebration. Da Silva's commanding...victory speech, da Silva said, "I think Brazil can play an extraordinary...loan it granted Brazil earlier this year...his campaign, da Silva, like a growing...
- Lula da Silva wins Brazil presidency, returns indicate.(Knight Ridder...
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Hall, Kevin G. October 27, 2002 700+ words
...vote counted, Brazil's Supreme Election...Tribunal reported that da Silva was winning 61...da Silva said. Da Silva was elected with...overwhelming support from Brazil's poor, who...the campaign, da Silva criticized Brazil's leaders' submission...
- Brazil's voters put da Silva in charge for 4 more years.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) October 30, 2006 700+ words
...speak of revolution. "Brazil is not mine," da Silva said after being declared...leanings. But it also heeds Brazil's economic realities. Da Silva has increased social spending...purchasing power to rise in Brazil, da Silva has a poor record on economic...
- Despite scandals, Brazil's Lula da Silva heading towards likely victory.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) September 29, 2006 700+ words
...McMahon RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil _ Heading into Sunday...President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva finds himself in a familiar...Instead of shaking up Brazil's economic system...s purse strings, da Silva has paid down Brazil's foreign debt and...
- Scandal, economy tarnish Brazil's once-glittering Lula da Silva.
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Hall, Kevin G. May 26, 2004 700+ words
...political stock of Brazil's leftist president...Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva caught the world...On top of that, Brazil's economy remains sluggish and da Silva has come nowhere...The economy and da Silva's uneven performance are emerging across Brazil as local ...
- Brazil's opposition party chooses governor to challenge da Silva.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) March 15, 2006 700+ words
...that have devastated da Silva's Workers Party. Saying that Brazil could "no longer...could deter him. Da Silva retains the great...outpoll Serra and win Brazil's presidency in...between the men. Da Silva is vulnerable on the economy, however. Brazil's economy ...
- Scandal fails to trap Brazil leader in election tangle: Da Silva the favorite...
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) October 1, 2006 700+ words
...Castro hastened to add. Da Silva said he would ignore...such as repudiating Brazil's foreign debt, and...Instead of shaking up Brazil's economic system...s purse strings, da Silva has paid down Brazil's foreign debt and...
- Brazil's Lula da Silva the new man of the hour.
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Hall, Kevin G. October 4, 2003 700+ words
...EDITORS: BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM) Da Silva seeks a new role for Brazil within South America, where...acting only in self-interest. Da Silva is showing the way on social...progress in future lending to Brazil. Da Silva's relations with Washington...
Source: HighBeam Research, 'I Have Changed'.(Luiz Inacio (Lula) da Silva)(Interview)