Argentines for Lula

[topp8564 at mail.usyd.edu.au]

The election of the PT in Brazil has brought out some of the stronger economic 
nationalist sentiments in the country. There was a jingoistic article on a 
recent edition of the Veja magazine blaring on about Brazil Imperialista: all 
the Brazilian companies which are dominating other south American markets. 
Amongst them, Wolkswagen Brazil, but let's not forget we are talking about 
Brazil... A poll just before the new year showed that over 70% of Brazilians 
think that national companies ought to be given favour, and a similar number 
also think the government ought to be involved in development, 60% or so 
favoring price controls across the board. (I bloody left the paper at home in 
Porto Alegre, so I can't be more specific.)

Anyway, here is something that will surely boost egos in the Sleeping Giant:

(My translastion from Folha de São Paulo - don't cite as it is pretty hurried)

Half the Argentinian Population Would Vote for Lula

by Silvio Navarro

While argentina prepares for one of the most disputed presidential races of its 
history, the name of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would beat 
in popularity any of the candidates' in the next elections, scheduled for 27 
April.

A poll conducted by the Consultoria Graciela Romer e Associados about the image 
of the Brazilian president in the neighbouring country shows that half the 
population, specially in the middle and upper classes (56%) would elect Lula to 
lead the country.

Lula also holds the majority of support from voters who define themselves as 
centre-left (71%) and left (66%)

The middle and upper classes justify their liking of the Brazilian president 
because they believe in his honesty (20%). The lower classes admire Lula's 
intention to combat poverty (25%). Another salient justification is his profile 
as inovator (18%)

In relation to Lula's political alignment with Argentinian candidates, the 
research by the consultants shows that the Brazilian would attract 60% of the 
voters who opted for Alianza int he last elections (the party of ex-president 
Fernando de la Rúa), 57% of thse who voted for peronista Néstor Kirchner - the 
government candidate - and 60% of the electorate of Elisa Carrió.

Despite the close date of the elections, the electoral climate amongst the 
local population is still dispirited. Recent research published in the 
principal newspapers in the country point to many people still being indecise. 
The probable battle at the ballot box will be between the governor of Santa 
Cruz, Kirchner, supported by President Eduardo Duhalde, and ex-president Menem.

The study by Graciela Romer e Associados was conducted between 15 and 16 
february and interviewed people between 18 and 70 years of age in 632 homes, in 
Buenos Aires and other localities in the country.

 

-------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through IMP: www-mail.usyd.edu.au