Brazilian Presidential Politics and “Corruption” in the Context of Beleaguered Leftist Governments in Latin America

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Latin American governments of a “progressive” bent have hit some strong turbulence of late, and one of the recurring themes has been the near universal obsession with “corruption.”  Nowhere is this more evident than in Brazil, where beloved former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been caught up in the ongoing investigations just as he announced that he plans to run again for President.  Lula was once the poster child of the “responsible” Left in the region, as opposed to the more vilified “Bolivarian” variety, but he was still detested by the Right leaning opposition, and his take down would be seen by both the Left and the Right throughout the region as a serious blow to the progressive cause.  As a consequence, many pundits predict a triumphant neoliberal resurgence, though others are not so sure.