Boardroom Talk: Warning for SA as most Brazilians want openly corrupt President Lula back in office

Watching the Brazilian Presidential election unfold is sobering for South Africans. Barring a massive turnaround in the second round of voting, on October 30 that country will re-elect Lula da Silva who presided during the Operation Car Wash corruption frenzy. A plunder which led to dozens of politicians and businessmen being jailed. Including Lula himself.

Brazilians seem to be telling the world even though they know former President Lula is openly corrupt; even though his Leftist Party fleeced the public purse for their own nefarious ends; even though Lula promises to tighten control over State-owned Petrobras, Operation Cash Wash's Ground Zero – they still want him back. Because he shares the spoils.

In short, Lula's supporters say he has "a good heart" and love that he showers them with unaffordable social benefits. These Brazilians, mostly poor, either lack the economic understanding of the dystopian future Lula's approach will deliver. Or just don't care that debt-fueled instant gratification is a mortgage their children are certain to inherit.

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