Gilberto Kassab, president of Brazil’s Social Democratic Party (PSD), said the economic policy of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s fourth administration will influence how closely the government works with the political center and his party. He made the remarks in an interview with CNN Brasil on Tuesday, November 3.
Kassab said the government’s economic agenda, and the person chosen to lead it, would help determine whether Lula moves closer to the center. He added that the PSD is prepared to support government measures if they are compatible with the party’s platform.
The PSD leader said the party wants Brazil to do well despite losing the election with a candidate of its own. He also said that government positions would not be a condition for the party’s relationship with the administration.
Kassab identified economic policy, the government’s nominees and commitments, electoral reform, parts of judicial reform, a minimum age and quarantine periods among the issues that would shape the party’s level of engagement with the government. The Finance Ministry is currently headed by Dario Durigan, who replaced Fernando Haddad after Haddad ran for governor of São Paulo in this year’s election. Piauí Governor Rafael Fonteles has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the ministry, according to the report.
Sources: CNN Brasil.