Inkless Wells

 Inkless Wells

Paul Wells on all the latest out of Ottawa—along with the occasional post about jazz. Follow Paul on Twitter: @InklessPW

Categories: Capital Read, Inkless Wells

"I cannot say no because I am still alive"

by Paul Wells on Monday, December 20, 2010 11:49am - 8 Comments

Brazil’s president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is barred by the country’s constitution from serving as president for three consecutive terms. So at the new year, he’ll hand off to his hand-picked successor. But will he run again later when a third term wouldn’t be consecutive? He might.

He leaves office (for now) as the most popular president in his country’s history, thanks to smart fiscal policies that have put Brazil on a durable growth trajectory.

 

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  • PeterboroDave

    I wish we had smart people running our country.

  • Emily

    Lula, Putin…maybe Clinton will try it too.

  • Jenn_

    I like this 'consecutive' wording. It allows a good and popular leader to lead again if the circumstances warrant it, while curbing a dictatorship kind of leader.

    • madeyoulook

      The only danger rests with what Putin is pulling off in Russia: he "lies low" while still pulling all the strings even out of his former office, only to jump back in to replace his puppet after a term? No thanks.

      It seems that this is not what is happening in Brazil, but the risk of a dynasty, whether popular or not, remains. But yes, it would be hard to argue with the voters if they ask him back at the ballot box after a term away.

      • Jenn_

        I'm not up on Russian politics at all, MYL, but do voters get an alternative vote there these days? I mean, presumably even if the popular leader is pulling the strings of the sitting-in person, the electorate can go with someone else altogether. Or at least that's how I understand things work in Brazil. If there is only one spot on the ballot, uh, yeah, that doesn't work so well.

  • Inkless

    The other way to do things is to get the responsible authority to change the rules. That's how Bloomberg became a three-term mayor in New York, a city with a two-term limit. I'm not thrilled with that outcome, but New Yorkers seem to like it fine, so there you go.

    • Cats

      You live in New York ? You don't like Bloomberg ?

      Or just as a general principle you support term limits ?

      Questions Cats.

  • http://www.linkedin.com/companies/merger-law-associates-ltd. Julius C.

    The consecutive part allows some time to think…Brazil seems to have done well under his leadership.

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