MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian cabinet reshuffle thinking in 2006 re-election.

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to announce this week a major cabinet reshuffle giving greater participation to conservative parties with the purpose of paving the way for his re-election in 2006.

"I believe the cabinet reform should be ready by weekend. The president is wrapping up some consultations and will then make the announcements", said Professor Luizinho Moraes one of Mr. Lula's leaders in the federal House of Deputies.

Analyst Luciano Dias indicated that a successful cabinet reshuffle will give political partners greater confidence in the coalition "and participation prospects in a future second term".

The cabinet changes are expected to give greater space to the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, PMDB, which has the largest legislative representation but faces internal fractures.

"The reform should sterilize the emergence of new presidential candidacies from political parties unsatisfied with their limited participation in the current administration", added Mr. Dias.

Brazilian cabinet has 35 ministries of which President Lula's Workers Party, PT, holds 19 seats, but PMDB only has only two members and the Progressive Party which recently ensured the chair of the House of Representatives none.

"Once the reshuffle becomes effective, Lula's PT will have to learn to act as just another member of the coalition government", underscored Mr. Dias.

Another expected move is the removal of Political Coordination Minister currently occupied by Aldo Rebelo from the Brazilian Communist Party, a post which is believed will fall to PT.

When this happens, Cabinet Chief Jose Dirceu President Lula da Silva's main political operator and advisor should be able to concentrate on his friend's re-election aspirations.