There is no sign yet that Brazilians actually want to vote for him. If elected, he would probably enjoy good support in Congress and broadly continue the pro-business economic agenda of President Michel Temer. While there have been some scandals under his watch, Alckmin has largely escaped the “Car Wash” probe that ensnared hundreds of other Brazilian politicians. Having kept São Paulo’s finances balanced at a time when other states, including Rio de Janeiro, were careening into insolvency, Alckmin clearly understands math – an underrated trait that recent history suggests is the key to a successful presidency in Brazil. Brazil’s economy is recovering but fragile, expected to grow 3 percent this year but in need of further reform, especially to the social security system, to avoid lapsing back into chaos. At the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Latin American conference, attended by Davos types from all over the region, Alckmin was welcomed with warm applause and a palpable sigh of relief. I was in São Paulo last week and in certain circles, especially the city’s two main financial avenues, Alckmin’s victory was already being treated as inevitable. The proposition is that, with most of Brazil’s political class either in prison, under indictment or otherwise disgraced by the last three years of recession and scandal, enough voters will decide chuchu is not their favorite dish – but given the other options on the menu, it’ll do just fine. In the years since, Alckmin has run Brazil’s largest and wealthiest state with a steady hand, neither beloved nor widely despised, gliding through crises and triumphs with the same affable smile.Īlckmin, 65, is seeking to prove himself this month as the candidate of choice for the pro-business establishment in October’s presidential elections.
Back in 2002, a columnist referred to São Paulo state Governor Geraldo Alckmin as a “chuchu popsicle” – and the nickname stuck. Known as chayote in English, it is celebrated primarily for its inoffensive, somewhat pleasant blandness.
SÃO PAULO – The “chuchu” is a Brazilian staple, a scaly green fruit often used in soups and sometimes served fried.
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