Bush Enlivens Workers Party Celebration

Believe it. The president of the United States, George Bush, caused a festive atmosphere among the petistas* who came together to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Finance Ministry. Ministers, advisers and economists tied to the Workers Party could not contain their joy when commenting on the American’s decision to release a huge financial aid package of $200 billion to two failed mortgage institutions. “They put the last nail in the coffin of neo-liberalism,” was often overheard in the conversations before, during and after the event which took place here in Brasilia.

Dilma Rousseff, Chief-Minister of the Presidential Staff Office and President Lula’s presidential candidate, made a point of saying that the United States never practiced pure neo-liberalism. Not just them, but also Europe and Japan, she affirmed, adding that they always recommended that developing countries follow this economic recipe. More or less along the lines of do what I say, not what I do. Or, in the literal words of the minister, who defended the American government’s measures, “This neo-liberalism thing is only worth it for us. There has never been neo-liberalism in the developed capitalist world.”

The satisfaction was so great that there were petistas using something that they always criticized in the past to poke fun at the United States. This was the case with economist Maria da Conceição Tavares. “They buried neo-liberalism in a tragic way. It cost a fortune. Our Proer was a little bit cheaper,” she said ironically, referring to the program launched by the administration of Fernando Henrique Cardoso to rescue failed banks. It was similar to the program now being launched by the United States, and was overwhelmingly criticized by the Workers Party during that time in Brazil.

It was funny to hear not only ironies from petistas, but also compliments to the American government. In truth they were sarcastic compliments. “It is responsible pragmatism,” said Minister Guido Manteiga (Finace), when questioned about the aid to the two American mortgage giants. “It demystifies the idea that free markets always lead to the best result,” added the Economic Policy Secretary of the Finance Ministry, Nelson Barbosa.

In the conversations during the event, despite the sarcasm, everyone defended the measures under the premise that it would have been a disaster for the world if the two giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac went bust. Well, that’s the way it goes. There’s nothing like a day after another day. Or better yet, there’s nothing like coming to power after having been the opposition. What was criticized over here yesterday is praised over there today. But not without some sarcasm.

*Members of the Workers Party