If Arabs believe in the proverb "A man can take no more that he can do," Lula of Brazil may prove them wrong.
Luiz Lula da Silva, a former union leader, is currently a candidate in the presidential election in Brazil. His persistence, patience and beliefs drive him to realize his dream to be the future president of Brazil. But many people inside and outside the country are against his leftist policies and plans. He has failed three times before in his bid to become president because of his radical views, but currently all opinion polls support his election. These expectations currently have their adverse impact on the Brazilian economy. Such as: weakening of the local currency, fluctuations of foreign investments flow, increase in interest rate; drop in prices of Brazilian bonds and threats to Brazilian governments relations in international financial markets. Many are afraid of the radical changes that Lula presents. The current president of Brazil was re-elected after the first round for a second presidential term. He shifted the country from horrible inflation exceeding 100 percent to real economic growth. He also managed to restore good relations with international financial institutions, without the chaos and popular protests that usually accompany the implementation of such policies.
But the ordinary Brazilian feels that the benefits for the multinationals and Western financial institutions exceed the gains to Brazil. As a result poverty is spreading to many classes because of IMF short-term high cost finance. It is almost the same as the story of the South East Asian Tigers.
History repeats itself, as the saying goes, and this uneasy mood increases the popularity of Lula with the lower and middle classes. He opposes new economic approaches and absolute liberal policies that he blames for the current situation. Radical changes have become imminent. However, after he assumes power, it is expected that he will be more realistic and cooperate with the ruling coalitions to fulfill his promises as much as practical.
Lula’s policies may contradict the IMF classical conditions that more often than not prove difficult to implement by underdeveloped nations. But he will find support from local civil associations, charity funds and intellectuals of Brazil. A female professor at Rio University presented a paper on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Manaus Free Trade Zone. She suggested a creative solution to the economic problems of Brazil.
She stated that she had met a guest at the forum whose country has 25 percent of the world petroleum reserves but they have shortage of water. Why not swap water and oil between friends? Or at least build strong friendships with those who want our water and are trying to exploit their oil? The world is changing. It will be useful to strengthen our old friendships and build new ones and keep in touch with one another locally and internationally. This will serve our national interest and make others see our importance to their future.