Thread by @BrazilBrian

I've been quiet on Brazil, in listening mode. But this BBG piece is important. I think Bolsonaro's best single idea is ending yrs-long practice of handing out Cabinet posts solely to build coalition -by giving parties treasure chests of $$ to steal from.

bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

It's funny, this system generated euphemisms that analysts & journalists still feel obliged to use (see story). But it's not "pork & patronage" - it's corruption. Dilma had SEVEN ministers resign in first 13 months b/c of graft accusations - that's what this practice bred

I remember arriving in Brazil in 2010, covering Dilma transition, being shocked at how openly positions were handed out not on merit, skill or even ideological affinity, but for spoils. I was no newbie to LatAm politics - but even press treated like it was normal

So Bolsonaro has appointed a cabinet of technocrats & ideological fellow travelers. I may disagree w their beliefs, it's surely better than pvs system which was corrupt but also *incompetent* - cause for low execution of infrastructure projects, poor quality govt spending, etc

The old way of doing "business" in Brasilia was totally unsustainable - b/c of independent judicial institutions, noisy press, smart phones, social media, etc. That's why the Dilma ministers had to resign (Temer lost several also). Had to change, voters demanded it

The interesting question is: Will Bolsonaro's best idea also be his undoing? This article (& numerous analysts) emphasize the system in Brasilia may totally reject his new way of doing politics.
Congress could rebel against pension reform, etc. Turn on him like they did Collor

PS No, I haven't gone full 17, just willing to recognize a good idea when I see one. abs