SALVADOR, Brazil (Reuters) – Jose Serra formally became the presidential candidate of Brazil’s main opposition party yesterday, saying he would run a more ethical government at home and abroad than President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Serra, an economist with a long track record in government, was anointed as candidate at a convention of his centrist PSDB party in the northeastern city of Salvador, four months ahead of October’s presidential election.
“I believe in human rights, inside Brazil and outside,” Serra said in a speech. “It is not good to continually eulogize dictators in all corners of the planet.”
Lula, who basks in sky-high popularity ratings in Brazil, has maintained close diplomatic ties with countries criticized for human rights abuses, including Cuba and Iran.
Serra also criticized the governing coalition over several corruption scandals that have erupted since Lula, a former metal worker, began his first term in 2003. Lula is barred by the constitution from running for a third straight term.
Serra must develop a strategy to overcome Lula’s disciple, Dilma Rousseff, who can count on the president’s popularity and a rebounding economy.
Those advantages make Rousseff, of the centre-left Workers’ Party, the favourite for most pundits. But Serra’s broad executive experience and national profile make him a formidable rival for Rousseff, who is untested in elections.
The Workers’ Party holds a convention on today at which it will confirm Rousseff’s candidacy.
