JEFFERSON BERNARDES/AFP MAN OF THE PEOPLE Brazil's president elect Luiz Ignacio "Lula" da Silva addresses supporters

Balancing Act for Lula

Brazil's President-elect has a tough job ahead

By MARYANN BIRD

Posted Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002; 2.02 p.m. GMT
Substance will have to come before style if President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is to turn Brazil around. He needs to feed the people — his main commitment — while keeping the economy on track.

In one early encouraging sign, leaders of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's Brazilian Social Democratic Party say they will give priority — in their last days in power — to passing Lula-backed bills, including tax-reform measures. Such cooperation, rare in Brazilian politics, will be critical to Lula's success. As he says: "I don't have the right to make mistakes."

BACK TO TOP

A Brazilian Blair? [Oct 4, 2002] Erstwhile leftist firebrand Lula da Silva looks set to win Brazil's presidency. But, he tells TIME, investors have no need to be nervous

A Socialist's Plan to Save Brazilian capitalism [Oct 4, 2002] If elected president, Lula da Silva may challenge the IMF. But only to protect economic growth

Who Lost Latin America? [Aug. 13, 2002] President Bush promised South America close friendship, no bailouts. Why he switched on both

Get the Magazine — Try 4 Issues Free!

	S O C I E T Y Islam In Europe An inside look at how Europe's Muslims adapt to secular society — and vice-versa T H E A T E R Boney's Part A stage extravaganza, a TV mini-series and a clutch of films put Napoleon in the spotlight again E U R O P E Outta Here A faltering economy and Schröder's policies have companies fleeing Germany P O L I T I C S Wages Of Spin Cherie Blair didn't know she was doing business with a con man, but it's Tony and New Labour who may pay the price