“Lula never talks about names, it’s too early for that. She has a profile. He wants a politician, someone who has good relations with Congress, but who knows the economy and public financessaid a high-ranking adviser to the former Brazilian president, who requested anonymity.
“He doesn’t want an academic and he definitely doesn’t want someone from the financial market,” he added.
That marks a stark contrast to the current finance minister, Paul Guedesan economist and investor with no previous political experience, chosen by the ultra-conservative president Jair Bolsonaro early in his 2018 campaign.
Guedes’ bold plans for the privatizations and business-friendly reforms were welcomed by Brazil’s private sector, but have struggled to gain support in the capital, Brasilia.
Lula’s (2003-2010) press office refused to comment on who would run economic policy if elected for a third term.
It would not be the first time that Lula has chosen a politician for the task. His first finance minister was Antonio Paloccia doctor and former mayor of the interior of São Paulo who received the approval of legislators and investors.
Mantega confirmed to Reuters that, during a lunch with businessmen this week, he considered several names that would fit that political profile, such as the governor of Bahia, Rui Costathe former governor of Piaui Wellington Days and the former governor of Ceará Camilo Santanaall of them members of Lula’s Workers’ Party.
Mantega also quoted the governor of Pernambuco, Paulo Camaraof the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), which was recently joined by the former governor of São Paulo Gerald Alckmina veteran center-right politician selected as Lula’s running mate to appeal to moderate voters.
“I just mentioned the names of some politicians. I didn’t even mention all of them because there are many qualified to be finance ministers,” the former minister said.
However, three other Lula advisers, who asked not to be identified, agreed that those four politicians have the kind of experience the leftist leader is seeking, with an eye toward building support in Congress for his economic agenda.
Whatever the choice, they agreed that it will be a long time before Lula makes a formal appointment, since the former president is eager to be his own economic spokesman on the campaign trail.
“To speak of forming a government now is to err on the side of confidence. It is not Lula’s style, he knows there is a long road ahead,” a campaign source said.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
