Escogiendo ministros y formando políticos: los partidos en gabinetes multipartidistas

Abstract

The article examines the ministerial selection and estimates the chances of selection of professional politicians vis-à-vis the selection of technocrats or political novice in multiparty cabinets. The ministerial selection is analyzed as a supporter calculation to convert the ministerial appointment a resource for retention and/or projection of their party cadres. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) loyalty, the bonds belonging to supporters and parties increase the chances of competitive selection of professional politicians for the posts of ministers; (b) the chances of selection of political novices or technocrats increase with expertise and membership of parties under organizational expansion. The analysis focuses on multiparty governments formed in Brazil (1995-2010). The results show that the trajectory within the party is decisive for the selection of professional politicians, while belonging to the party of the President favors the entry of new members in the high command of the government. The study provides evidence of the complexity of multiparty cabinet ministerial selection in light of organizational dilemmas faced by the parties.