Behind Brazil's Leftist Leader, a Kindred Spirit Thrives***"All the cabinet requests and bureaucratic procedures go through his office," he said, as well as negotiations with Congress and state governors.
Mr. da Silva's confidence in him is such that Mr. Dirceu exercises more authority than any chief of staff since the military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. Mr. Dirceu balks at comparisons with the military government, noting that he has been an elected state legislator and a member of Congress and that he "lost an election for governor" of São Paulo, the country's largest state.
But his power has also been enhanced by Mr. da Silva's governing style. In contrast to his predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, "who wanted to be minister of everything," but very much like Ronald Reagan, Mr. da Silva "likes to talk about the big issues, mobilizing people, rather than getting involved with the minutiae," said Alexandre Barros, a political analyst here.***
A Vote on Mr. Chavez*** Venezuela's neighbors, including the United States, have watched the crisis in Caracas with growing alarm but have shrunk from taking significant action. A support group of countries created last year to support Mr. Gaviria's mediation, including the United States, Mexico and Brazil, has failed to play a significant role. Now they have another opportunity. Venezuela's president needs to hear from the region's leaders that his persecution of opponents and attempts to dodge a fair referendum are unacceptable. There should be no more putting off Venezuela's crisis: The chance for a democratic solution may soon be lost.***