Cardoso compares Lula to the devil

Former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso called president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the devil during an event in Sao Paulo, according to the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. According to the paper, Mr. Cardoso was making a reference to the comment Lula made on Sunday, comparing himself to Jesus Christ being betrayed by Judas, in the case where members of his party are accused of trying to buy documents allegedly showing his political opponents participating in corruption schemes. "Christ didn't go kiss Judas nor referred to his betrayers as former friends. This isn't Christ, it's the devil," said Mr. Cardoso.

Electoral authorities are still trying to determine whether the scandal involving the purchase of the documents is enough to prevent Lula from running for a second term in office. The presidential election is scheduled for Sunday.