October 2002
Columns
International Politics
Brazilian E&P unfazed by election worries. Taking center stage in Brazil is the Oct. 6 presidential election between left-leaning Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and President Fernando Cardoso’s anointed successor, Jose Serra. At press time, Lula da Silva had increased his poll lead over Serra, 39% to 19%. Concern over a leftist victory had created enough worry that Finance Minister Pedro Malan felt compelled to spend time in Europe and Asia speaking to investors. He tried to convince them that should Lula da Silva win, Brazil would neither reverse economic liberalization nor default on its debt.
