To investors it promises the continuation of the rigour

P repair you! exclaims Lula to activists of his party of workers (PT), the smile corner. For the first time Sunday, you won't see my name in the polling stations... "President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, beaten three times in the presidential election to the Supreme bench in 2003, is in full campaign for the dauphine, Dilma Rousseff. Rather that to revise the Constitution which prohibits him from seeking a third term in a row (as happens sometimes in Latin America), Lula has developed saddle up this quasi-inconnue of the general public. And in a few months, Dilma Rousseff, dragging in polls, conducted breakthrough such that it now appears able to win the first round - a feat that also never succeeded Lula himself.

Recent opinion polls the crediting of more than 53 of the vote, with at least 20 points ahead of the main opposition candidate, Jose Serra, of the Social Democratic Party (PSDB). As the candidate ecologist (PV), Marina Silva, former Minister of Lula but strongly critical Dilma Rousseff, she is credited by about 10 of the vote. Half a dozen candidates, far-left for the most part, are also in the race but seem doomed to figuration.

Unwavering support

In a recent case of trafficking of influence within the staff of the civil administration, which led to the resignation of one of his close collaborators, Dilma Rousseff rather remained in withdrawal, while Lula pourfendait a media conspiracy against sacandidate. Some polls have recently yet indicated a thrill for the opposition, which hopes that this will be sufficient to cause a second round at the end of the month. "It's just a momentary oscillation, fruit with a shot grouped against the candidate of the Government, but this should hardly change the situation," said political scientist Claudio Couto, of the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

The top of its 80 of personal popularity, it is although Lula which continues to distribute the cards. Because its meteoric breakthrough, Dilma Rousseff, former activist of the guerrilla war forty years ago, due primarily to support without fault of the leader of the Brazilian left. Lula, who was first appointed him Minister of Mines and energy in 2003, then the most important position of the Government two years later, at the head of the civil administration (the equivalent of Prime Minister). Little charismatic, Dilma Rousseff soon was taken in hand by political marketing professionals who have rejuvenated his headdress, and its wardrobe, while his advising of deburring to not appear too aggressive.

Even if it is hardly in the debates (the most important is to take place Thursday evening), it applies to state the merits of the Lula Government, for better cash dividends of growth and the emergence of a new class average. In a slogan: "Continue the change." To investors, it promises the continuation of the rigour. As José Serra, who plays a kind of va-tout after a first attempt - unfortunate - in the 2002 presidential election, it seems yet never managed to find its brands during the campaign. After having built his political career on the control of public spending, he suddenly promised an immediate increase in the minimum wage by 20 and the payment of the 13emois for family allowances, created by... Lula!