

Silva’s mettle: Brazil’s newish president
Jan 5, 2023
Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, discusses Lula's return to the presidency and the pressing socio-economic challenges he faces. Listeners will learn about the significant societal divides in Brazil and Lula's ambitious plans to restore key policies. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, reflects on Pope Benedict XVI's life, highlighting both his warmth and the controversies during his papacy. The conversation delves into the implications of his legacy on the Catholic Church following his passing.
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Lula's Comeback
- Lula's political career has been a rollercoaster: from president to prisoner and back.
- He served as president, faced corruption charges (later annulled), and won again.
Divided Nation
- Brazilians are divided, with some celebrating Lula's return while others fear for democracy.
- Some Bolsonaro supporters even held out hope for a coup to prevent Lula's inauguration.
Economic Challenges
- Lula inherits a struggling economy marked by high inflation, weak growth, and rising hunger.
- Bolsonaro's promised economic reforms mostly failed to materialize, leaving a challenging situation.