Capriles: We will adopt the Brazilian model

Venezuelan presidential candidate and opposition leader Henrique Capriles asserted he would rely on the Brazilian model to carry out the respective reforms of the country if he pulls out victory in the upcoming Venezuelan presidential election.

Capriles said, "As much as Venezuela today, Brazil went through a similar situation" and after introducing different economic reforms and structures "the country nowadays reports economic growth, pulled out 20 million people out of poverty, and created 16 million jobs," cited Efe.

The opposition leader asserted, "Brazil relies on a dual model, which combines the public and the private sectors with social responsibility. We can introduce such a model here" in Venezuela.

Capriles downplayed the explicit support to President Chávez by former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

"The relations between Brazil and Venezuela are way more profound than the mere personal relations established between Lula and Chávez," said Capriles adding that the view of the former Brazilian leader does not imply fewer or more votes for any candidate.

"Lula does not vote in Venezuela" remarked Capriles, who also pledged that his victory will imply "improved and excellent relations with Brazil," a country he would like to have a relation on an equal footing.

Capriles said he seeks to bring Brazilian investors into Venezuela. In addition, he regretted to be subject to a smear campaign conducted by President Chávez and accused him of manipulating the governmental media to destroy his image.

"It is said I am a drug addict, a homosexual, and a Nazi," said the opposition leader adding that this is going to be worse in the days ahead of the Venezuelan presidential election.

Translated by Jhean Cabrera