Exclusive Interviews

Brazilians went to the polls to choose a new president on October 1, and since no candidate secured an outright majority of votes, a second round was held on October 29. As part of the AS/COA Brazil Presidential Candidate Interview Series, we spoke with PSDB candidate Geraldo Alckmin about economic growth proposals, foreign policy, trade, and investment.

In an exclusive interview with AS/COA, Pablo de la Flor analyzed the future of the U.S.-Peru FTA and its implications for both countries and the region. De la Flor urged passage of the FTA in the U.S. Congress and noted that 60% of the Peruvian population believes that the agreement, ratified in Peru, will be beneficial to the country's interests.

On October 15, Ecuadorians voted in the first round of a presidential election featuring over 15 candidates. To understand some of the complex issues facing the country, AS/COA spoke with one of the leading candidates in the polls, Cynthia Viteri of the Social Christian Party, on July 18.

Hernando José Gómez highlighted the benefits of increased market access and explained the domestic and international reaction to the agreement. He pointed out that opening an economy to international markets brings greater growth and a reduction in the income gap with richer countries.

In an interview with the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas released on May 16, the former President of Brazil, F.H. Cardoso, focused on the region-wide reform agenda and analyzed the state of democracy in the region. “Populism is a threat that we ignore at our own peril.” The interview coincided with his recent book signing event at our New York office.