How tough will Dilma be?

摘要

On february 16th Brazil's new president, Dilma Rousseff, faced her first serious test in Congress, and passed it. Trade unionists, opposition politicians and even some members of her own coalition had tried to force through a big increase in the minimum wage. Instead, as Ms Rousseff wanted, it will rise from 510 reais ($305) a month to just 545 reais, barely outpacing inflation. Tough politicking behind the scenes by Antonio Palocci, her heavyweight chief of staff, together with the bait of unfilled senior jobs in the government, kept most members of her coalition in line.