Mais Forbes:

Grande pobreza, imensa riqueza: Sarney, o menino pobre que enriqueceu às custas da pobreza do Maranhão.

How Brazil's Poorest State Minted One Of The Country's Richest -- And Most Controversial -- Political Clans

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"Working for the government is also very rewarding for those who know how to make connections with the right people. Take the case of Jose Sarney, Brazil’s former President, who began his political career in the 1950s in his home state of Maranhao, which was at the time and remains to this date the country’s poorest state.

"The rise of Sarney in politics since his days as a young congressman is only shadowed by the incredible growth of his wealth. Sarney started in Brazilian politics over five decades ago, as a member of the Arena party, which sided with the military dictatorship of the time. Once Brazil became a democracy, he left Arena to join the Liberal Front Party, which he helped create."

Pedrinhas é apenas a ponta do iceberg (sorry ;(