Word: costas
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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With these words, Artur da Costa e Silva last week set the tone and style for his term as Brazil's 22nd President. Governing is not only an art in modern Brazil but also a rather exclusive one: both Costa and his predecessor are former army generals whose power rests as much on military support as on constitutional provisions. Yet last week, as he was inaugurated in the capital of Brasilia, Costa showed by word and deed that he will be no carbon copy of outgoing President Humberto Castello Branco...
While Castello Branco is at heart a homebody who prefers to shun the limelight, Costa is an ebullient man about town who loves to put a few cruzeiros on his favorite horse, chat with attractive women and tell amusing stories on himself. Last week, as the two men marched up the aisle of Brasilia's Chamber of Deputies building for the swearing-in, a grim Castello Branco looked straight ahead; Costa, relaxed and enjoying himself, threw genial glances to friends and relatives. After the oath of office, Castello Branco stiffly shook hands with Costa's wife, lolanda; Costa...
Root of Humanism. Far more substantial differences showed up in Costa's new program, which he announced to the country. Castello Branco ran Brazil with graphs, charts and a cold eye for results; Costa hopes to "humanize" the revolution that first put the military into power in 1964. "Social humanism," Costa told Brazilians last week, "will be the most profound root of my government." Gently divorcing himself from the harsh economic and social controls that made Castello Branco un popular, Costa promised more homes, hospitals, schools and "comforts" for the poor, and a broad program of public works...
...Costa called as well for closer government relations with labor unions and students, and a completely independent foreign policy that could bring broader relations with Russia and other Eastbloc countries. As Costa sees it, his new job is "above all a post of moral command...
...Even so, Costa e Silva has little choice but to continue in Castello Branco's footsteps. Though out of office, Castello Branco will continue to command strong support within the Brazilian army. Just as he helped to overthrow Goulart, he could cause much trouble for Costa e Silva should the new government waver on the austere path he has set for Brazil...