MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lula's ambitious program for the needy

“I expect financial markets to cool down now that we have the election results”, was one of the first remarks of Brazil's elected president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"Markets must know that the Brazilian people need to feed three times a day and we have people who are hungry", added Mr. da Silva stressing that his administration will honour all financial contracts signed by the outgoing government, "as was anticipated in our "Letter to the Brazilian People" that we distributed last July.

After thirteen years and in his fourth attempt, the former metal industry radical union leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was confirmed by a record 54 million votes as the next president of Latinamerica's leading economy.

In his victory speech after the Supreme Electoral Tribunal declared him the winner with 61,44% of the vote against incumbent candidate José Serra's 38,56%, Mr. da Silva thanked the Brazilian people, the election organizers and speaking in the name of 175 million Brazilians said that "hope has defeated fear. Tonight I can tell you that Brazil voted without fear to become cheerful. Let's go and celebrate".

"I want to thank President Fernando Cardoso for having announced to the Brazilian people that we are possibly experiencing the most sound and most democratic of transitions the country has ever seen", underlined Mr. da Silva who this Monday at mid day will be holding a press conference.

Lula had very kind words for his ticket companion and elected vicepresident businessman José Alencar whom he described as a "great pal", and "the greatest thing that happened to me in this campaign". Mr. Alencar, a textile tycoon is the man who opened the business world to the former union leader.

The elected president announced he will be calling on Brazil's best minds and talents to help with his administration and made it a point of congratulating his Workers Party candidates for governor in Sao Paulo and Rio do Janeiro, who both lost. Actually Mr. da Silva's governor hopefuls in Brazil's six leading states were defeated.

José Correa do Prado a close associate of Mr. Lula and leading economist in the Sao Paulo Pontifical University of Sao Paulo anticipated details of the social agenda of the incoming administration.

Five basic programs to be coordinated under a future Economic and Social Development Council include, fighting hunger, unemployment, lack of housing, promoting basic water and sewage systems plus improved health assistance. According to Correa do Prado, 44 million Brazilians suffer some degree of hunger and mal nutrition. Eradicating violence and promoting jobs for the young between 17 and 21 years are also priorities.

Markets will probably grant Mr. da Silva a truce period until he names his government team, from there on the big test will begin.

Mr. da Silva takes office next January 1st, but president Cardoso has agreed to facilitate all the necessary information and access to guarantee an effective transition.