Lula, Dilma and Chavez

Colegas:

Our old friend, Paulo Sotero of the Woodrow Wilson Center, has an interesting commentary on Brazilian views on Chavez, specifically those of Lula and Dilma. They mourn his loss, but their criticism is not so veiled. Students of language and the Brazilian personality might notice the profusion of compliments, followed by very diplomatic criticism. Brazilians feel themselves to be apart from the Spanish speaking countries. Their language is more florid, more indirect, and they don’t like to publicly criticize their neighbors. Note these comments by Lula in the NY Times:

Chávez’s sympathizers in Venezuela have much work ahead of them to construct and strengthen democratic institutions.To maintain Chávez’s legacy, Lula wrote, “they will have to help make the political system more organic and transparent; to make political participation more accessible; to enhance dialogue with opposition parties; and to strengthen unions and civil society groups. Venezuelan unity, and the survival of Mr. Chávez’s hard-won achievements, will require this.

http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2013/03/11/guest-post-brazils-leftwing-leaders-mourn-loss-of-chavez-with-not-so-veiled-criticism/#axzz2NEvNcBsC

Abrazos,
Gabriel Marcella