2002 Events

Informal Discussion with Germano A. Rigotto and Murillo Aragão

Germano A. Rigotto
Governor of Rio Grande do Sul

Murillo Aragão
Political Analyst

In this relatively informal meeting with Governor Rigotto, current political dynamics in Brazil, Brazilian studies in this area, and related subjects were discussed.

Germano Rigotto has just been elected Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, one of Brazil’s largest states. During his political career of 27 years, he was elected to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies in 1991 and reelected in 1994 and 1998. An influential member of Congress, he was leader of the PMDB and the governing majority, and also presided several major congressional commissions, including that focused on Tax Reform. Mr. Rigotto has participated in various international conferences in Europe, The United States and Latin America, where he has delivered talks about economic and political conditions in Brazil, the taxation system, and the reform reforms in Brazil. Mr. Rigotto has advanced degrees in Dentistry and Law from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). He is the author of Não tá morto quem peleia: A agonia do Sul Brasileiro e a luta pelo Banco Meridional.

The meeting with governor-elect Rigotto took the form of a relatively informal "bate-papo." Rigotto placed his visit to New York and the Bildner Center in the context of his personal initiative in Europe and North America, aiming at promoting the understanding of Rio Grande do Sul and its appeal to investors in energy and other sectors.

He sketched an overall picture of his state, highlighting the very high ranking of the state in terms of indicators of social, human and economic development. Rigotto discussed the strategic position of Rio Grande do Sul in the context of Mercosul and economic relations with Southern Cone countries. He called attention to the potential significance of trade agreement, including a way of compensating for losses such as the recent Ford decision to locate in elsewhere in Brazil. Rigotto also linked the need for foreign investments and trade expansion to the difficult fiscal situation of Brazilian states. The finances of the state will be a major concern during his government.
Murillo Aragão is one of Brazil’s leading experts on political analysis, congressional affairs and public policies. He has been working in this field since 1981 when he arrived in Brasília from Rio de Janeiro. In 1982, he founded Arko Advice, a political and public policies analysis company. Dr. Aragão taught at the Universidade de Brasília (Political Science Department) and is Editor, along with Professor Benício Schmidt, of the magazine Política Comparada. In 1998, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil honored him with the Ordem do Rio Branco (Comendador). Mr. Aragão holds a B.A. in Law from the Faculdade de Direito do Distrito Federal, a Master Degree in Political Science from the Universidade de Brasília and a Ph.D in Sociology from the Center for Studies of Latin America and Caribbean at the Universidade de Brasília.

Press-release
In response to questions and comments from members of the faculty and student body affiliated with the Bildner Center, Governor Rigotto discussed the need for tax reform in Brazil, pointing our to his role in Congress during the Cardoso presidency and the probability that the reform would be approved next year. He mentioned the need for clarifying the tax system at all levels of government. The give-and-take also brought out the difficult issues still facing Brazil with regard to the fiscal and political basis for decentralized federalism.
With regard to social development, Rigotto emphasized that as Governor he will work towards the reduction of regional inequalities within Brazil and within states. He mentioned the possibility of adapting current and likely social programs of the Workers Party. He will retain the electronic cards that are used in the Bolsa Escola program to promote basic education. About agrarian reform and rural development, his government will be willing to strengthen the Banco da Terra and will be open to dialogue with social movements demanding land, but pointing out that land invasions do not provide a solution for land distribution.
Governor Rigotto expressed commitment to debate and academic activities. His government will support the World Social Forum that will meet for the fourth time in Porto Alegre. He welcomed the participation in this regard of intellectuals and academics from the United States.

When: Monday, December 9 at 6:00 P.M.
Where: Elabash Recital Hall
The Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue
(Between 34th and 35th St.)