Brazil Leader Announces Cabinet Changes ahead of Polls

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday announced a minor cabinet reshuffle effective Monday, with two of those leaving expected to run for governor in next October's polls.

Chief of Staff Gleisi Hoffmann will be replaced by Aloizio Mercadante, a leading figure of the ruling leftist Workers Party (PT) and currently education minister, Rousseff's office said in a statement.

And Health Minister Alexandre Padilha will turn over his post to Arthur Chioro, a physician who is currently health secretary in the city of Sao Bernardo do Campo in Sao Paulo state.

Although it has not been announced officially, Hoffmann is tipped to run for governor in the southern state of Parana while Padilha is to seek the same office in Sao Paulo state.

Meanwhile, Jose Henrique Paim Fernandes, currently education executive secretary is to take over the education portfolio, according to the presidential statement.

The cabinet reshuffle is one of the first steps in the government's preparations for next October's presidential, legislative and gubernatorial polls.

Rousseff, who is favored to win re-election, is to be confirmed next month as the ruling PT's standard bearer.

The election campaign is to kick off in earnest after the World Cup, which will be held in 12 Brazilian host cities from June 12 to July 13.