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Brazilian finance minister admits possible presidential run

Xinhua,February 23, 2018 Adjust font size:

BRASILIA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's finance minister, Henrique Meirelles, admitted Thursday for the first time that he might run for president in the October elections.

Speaking with a state radio in Minas Gerais, Meirelles said he will not seek to remain in his current post in the next government, adding that he may run for president.

"I think the stage of minister of finance is a completed stage. We are now looking at a new stage with a possible candidacy for the presidency," he explained.

However, the minister insisted that he had not yet taken a decision one way or another about running.

"Certainly within 40 days or a little more, we will take the decision to continue in public service ... I can collaborate with the country in a more efficient and complete way. What is happening in the economy can be taken to every sector of life of the Brazilian people," added Meirelles.

The minister also said he was in favor of lengthening presidential terms beyond their current four years to avoid more changes in the country's political processes.

The possibility that he might run for the presidency has been hotly discussed since last year following the economy returned to growth under his watch after a two-year recession.

It is expected that the Brazilian GDP will rise to 3 percent in 2018. Enditem

 

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