Maybe there are protocols in the Finance Ministry too
The Supreme Court wrote up the protocols for impeaching a president. I have to wonder if they also wrote the “script” for replacing a Finance Minister.
Incoming Minister Nelson Barbosa sounded remarkably like Joaquim Levy upon taking office. He promised to take on the task of fiscal adjustment and put everything in order in a calm and orderly manner. Sounded kind of like the “orthodox” approach. Maybe he made the “standard” Finance Minister’s acceptance speech.
Dilma chimed in with her announcement that she has instructed Barbosa to get the economy moving again and do so with caution and prudence, avoiding abrupt changes and sharp turns. That should prove a challenging assignment (but one that must be obeyed).
Most analysts predict that it will not be possible to stimulate growth any time soon. But Brazil is the land of “God willing” (“Se Deus quiser!”) so perhaps some divine intervention is part of the plan.
The PT is now swollen with pride at having achieved some maneuvering room with the new impeachment protocols. Dilma now has more space within which to wield her wrecking ball.
Barbosa can be expected to try to resume the voyage of the Brazilian Titanic while the hold fills with more water. Dilma will go ahead along the land route to Paradise and they will plan to rendezvous there.
Bon voyage? I don’t think so.
Be prepared for a difficult and perhaps even surreal 2016.
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