Elected President of Brazil Introduces His Cabinet - 2002-10-29

Luiz Inacio da Silva, the elected President of Brazil, is set to introduce the members of his future government today. In the elections held two days ago, Mr. da Silva won a decisive victory against Jose Serra, the government-supported candidate. The 55-member cabinet is already laying the groundwork for Mr. da Silva's administration over the next four years. Mr. da Silva's presidential term begins on January 1. During his campaign, he promised to prioritize the fight against poverty in the largest economy of South America, an economy grappling with a recession crisis. Messages of congratulations from the international community are pouring in following the election of this leftist leader in Brazil. The White House stated that President Bush is considering cooperation with Mr. da Silva in promoting democracy, good governance, and free trade. In the latest news, the elected President of Brazil met with senior lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss power transition plans. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won the Brazilian presidential election with a significant majority on Sunday, entered the presidential palace on Tuesday as the crowd cheered and honked their car horns in his honor. He had private discussions with President Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil and also met with congressional leaders. Mr. da Silva, known as 'Lula', has promised to prioritize the fight against poverty and the protection of the country's financial stability. He will officially take over the presidency from his predecessor on January 1. Mr. da Silva is the first leftist to be elected President of Brazil.