Geraldo Alckmin

Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin (born in Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo, November 7 1952) is a Brazilian politican and former governor of São Paulo. He attended the Universidade de Taubaté's medical school, specializing in Anesthesiology, before going on to work in the São Paulo Public Service Hospital.

Political career

While still in his first year of medical school, Alckmin began his political career in 1972 when he was elected to the Pindamonhangaba city council (1973-1977), and then its mayor (1977-1982). At age 25, he was the youngest Brazilian mayor. He was elected a federal deputy for two terms, (1983-1987 and 1987-1994), distinguishing himself by authoring consumer protection laws. In 1988, he was one of the founders of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB).

He was elected vice governor of São Paulo, Mário Covas's running-mate first in the 1994 election and then again in 1998. With the death of Covas, he assumed the governorship of the state of São Paulo in March, 2001, continued Covas' policies, investing in large, state-run projects, health and education programs. He himself was elected governor on October 27, 2002 for the 2003-2006 term, with 12 million votes (or 58.64%). His current administration is marked by a reduction in the state payroll from 49% to 46% of the state's budget, the unification of purchasing systems and other "smart spending" initiatives, as well as the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He is married to Maria Lúcia Ribeiro Alckmin and is the father of three children.

Opus Dei

Alckmin has been linked[1] to the conservative Catholic organization Opus Dei, whose membership also include his cousin [2] and a deceased uncle. He denies his own membership in the organization, though he admits the family links.

2006 Presidential Election

On March 14, 2006, PSDB nominated Alckmin as its candidate to Brazilian presidency. Because of electoral rules, no candidate running for office may currently be in an executive office, forcing him to resign the governorship on March 31, 2006. Cláudio Lembo, the lieutenant governor, will finish Alckmin's term. Alckmin's party mate, José Serra, has announced his candidacy to replace Alckmin in the upcoming governor elections.

References

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