José Serra is a Brazilian politician born in São Paulo on March 19th, 1942.

Serra's role in brazilian politics today

Serra was the presidential candidate of the incumbent PSDB party in 2002, but lost the election to now president Luís Inácio Lula da Silva. In 2004, he successfully ran for Mayor of São Paulo city, elected in the second round with 55% of the votes.

José Serra is often considered a skilled administrator and a learned politician, however lacking charisma. He is one of the leading figures in Brazil's politics.

Earlier political life

In the early 60´s Serra was President of the União Nacional dos Estudantes - UNE (National student´s union). During Brazil's military regimen (1964-1984) Serra had his political rights suspended and was exiled in Santiago de Chile.

After returning to Brazil in the 80´s, Serra was elected for the brazilian House of Representatives and Senate. During gov. Franco Montoro's term in São Paulo state, Serra was appointed Secretary of Economics and Planning.

Later, as federal Minister of Health, his administration was marked by substancial successes in fighting AIDS, specially ruling as legal the production and usage of drugs free of royalties, thus drastically lowering public treatment costs. His efforts were praised by the United Nations, and his tactics were adopted by a number of other developing nations.