That has helped to break the cycle of political violence which dogged the region, produced a healthy alternation of power, and directed attention to deep-rooted social problems.

ECONOMIST: A big step backward for a still-uncertain democracy

These setbacks are all the more wounding to Mr Cardoso, an ex-Marxist turned social democrat, in that they make it harder to find the money to counter criticism that he is doing little to tackle deep-rooted social problems.

ECONOMIST: Brazil