Photo: Amira-Hissa
Quick fire interview: Mayor of Belo Horizonte
12 May 2018
by Jonathan Andrews
Alexandre Kalil, Mayor of Belo Horizonte
Why did you become mayor?
Honestly, I desired it.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Attending to the people.
What has been your biggest success?
Raising my children.
What has been your biggest setback?
My parents’ death.
What surprises you most in this day and age?
Intolerance.
What are you reading right now?
A book on Ronald Reagan’s life.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Neither.
Who is your hero or inspiration?
My father.
What was your last overseas trip as mayor?
I haven’t yet travelled abroad as mayor.
Who is the most interesting person you have met or worked with since becoming mayor?
I don’t know. Everybody is interesting.
What’s one thing your colleagues wouldn’t ordinarily know about you?
That I cry over nothing.
Favourite place in your city and why?
Pampulha. I have a small place there.
What advice would you give to the first time visitor to your city/region?
Enjoy the people. That’s the best thing of this city.
CITY OF BIRTH: Belo Horizonte
EDUCATION: Civil Engineering – Incomplete
DATE ELECTED MAYOR: 21 November, 2016
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Heavy Industrial Construction