Sarney (Costa), José (1930– )

Brazilian politician, member of the centre-left Democratic Movement (PMDB), president 1985–90, chair of the senate 1996.

Sarney was elected vice president in 1985 and within months, on the death of President Neves, became head of state. Despite earlier involvement with the repressive military regime, he and his party won a convincing victory in the 1986 general election. His administration was disastrous, partly because Sarney had not chosen his ministerial team and also because he had to contend with a powerful new congress. There were major problems during his term, including corruption and hyperinflation. In December 1989, Ferdinando Collor de Mello of the Party for National Reconstruction was elected to succeed Sarney in March 1990.