The Brazilian President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, whose government is facing an uphill battle to balance the country's budget, has decided to give a personal example of thrift when he's sworn in for a second term on January 1st.

The celebrations will cost an estimated fifty-thousand dollars -- a big reduction from the two-and-a-half million dollars spent in 1995.

And to save even more money, the drinks being served will include contraband whisky seized by the Brazilian customs service.

There will, however, be plenty of champagne for those who prefer it.