Economics
Lula Said to Agree in Principle to Take Brazil Cabinet Post
- Former president said to announce decision Wednesday morning
- Opposition leaders say they would challenge his appointment
Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.
Photographer: HUGO VILLALOBOS/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former Brazilian leader facing criminal charges in a sweeping corruption probe, has agreed in principle to join President Dilma Rousseff’s cabinet, according to a person close to the discussions.
Inviting the iconic, and controversial, politician to join her cabinet underscores the dire straits Rousseff is in as she faces the worst recession in over a century and struggles to fight off growing calls for her impeachment. The strategy runs the risk of backfiring, as it ties her fate to that of her mentor’s. It’s also prompting accusations that he’s trying to protect himself from prosecution in the corruption probe, considering ministers enjoy special legal status.