The World : Top Brazil Planner Resigns

Brazilian Planning Minister Joao Sayad, a key figure in government anti-inflation efforts, resigned, intensifying an economic crisis for the government. One of his assistants told reporters that the minister decided to step down after realizing that an economic package he had submitted would not be approved by President Jose Sarney or Finance Minister Dilson Funaro. The plan called for a three-month price freeze and sharp government spending cuts to combat inflation. Prices have risen more than 30% in the first two months of this year, and Sarney has faced declining popularity for his civilian government.