José Sarney

Sarney, José (1930– ), Brazilian politician, president (1985–90). He served as governor of the state of Maranhao, 1965–70, was elected vice president in 1985, and assumed the presidency in Apr. 1985 upon the death of President Tancredo Neves. His Cruzado Plan was an effort to control Brazil's severe inflation and foreign debt.

See also: Brazil.