Articles - The Brazilian Report

Power

A putschist meeting shows up Bolsonaro’s erratic foreign policy

The guest list for President Bolsonaro’s July 18 meeting with foreign diplomats lays bare the Brazilian president’s erratic approach to foreign policy, and highlights how he shuns key partners such as Argentina and China

2 days ago • Cedê Silva

debate Candidates for the São Paulo governor's office. Photo: Renato Pizzutto/Band

Power

Absences and presidents mark kickoff of debate season in Brazil

Gubernatorial candidates in ten states held debates on Sunday evening, though there were some high-profile absences. Besides regional issues, contenders focused on the Lula-Bolsonaro divide

2 days ago • Cedê Silva

Power

Electoral court opens doors to digital influencers in defense of electronic voting

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court invited a group of 30 digital influencers to its headquarters, seeking to dispel myths and lies spread about the country's voting system

5 days ago • Cedê Silva

Bolsonaro's escalation leads Brazilians to shrug at independence anniversary

Power

Brazil shrugs at independence bicentennial amid coup threats

Brazil will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its independence from Portugal on September 7. But there is little enthusiasm around the date, amid fears that it may instead be marked by a pro-Bolsonaro uprising against democratic institutions

6 days ago • Amanda Audi

Jair Bolsonaro takes part in a motorcycle rally in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Photo: Clauber Cleber Caetano/PR

Power

Why economy-boosting measures won’t save Bolsonaro

Jair Bolsonaro has been in full desperation mode, trying to increase benefits and win popular support — but it looks to be too little, too late

1 week ago • Amanda Audi

Insider

Why banks are now voicing concern about Brazilian democracy

Fearful of the economic consequences of a Bolsonaro-led coup attempt, Big business has belatedly decided to speak up, signing manifestos in defense of democracy

4 days ago • Amanda Audi

Market roundup interest rates fixed income

Business

Market roundup: Higher interest rates push retail investors to fixed income

The returns on fixed income fluctuate in opposite direction to the benchmark interest rate. With rates at a six-year high, investors are fleeing from variable interest

5 days ago • Ana Ferraz

Brazil's Central Bank signals pivot on interest rates

Business

Brazil’s Central Bank sends ambiguous message on interest rate hikes

The monetary authority raised benchmark rates by a half percentage point and said it is appropriate to continue tightening "significantly into even more restrictive territory." But many policy wonks believe it might not pull the trigger

1 week ago • Ana Ferraz

Business

Retailers will benefit from recent stimulus measures. But it won’t last

The case of Brazilian retail behemoth Magazine Luiza illustrates the challenges facing the country’s retail sector. The government’s electorally-motivated stimulus measures will provide a boost for retailers after a post-pandemic slump, but only in the short term

1 week ago • Ana Ferraz

Eldorado eucalyptus stocks in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul. Paper Excellence and J&F fight over Eldorado in court. Photo: Danilo Verpa/Folhapress

Business

J&F’s beef with Paper Excellence not over yet

A court decision that was supposed to end Brazil’s largest corporate dispute in years might still be challenged

1 week ago • Fabiane Ziolla Menezes

Tech

Tech roundup: A look at the 5G debut in Brazil

5G officially launches in São Paulo, but we take a look at how companies are already using the technology around the country

2 days ago • Ana Ferraz

Tech

Tech roundup: Brazil’s video game problem

The flip side to the boom in Brazil’s video game industry is excessive usage, and high levels of associated problems, among young Brazilians

1 week ago • Ana Ferraz

Tech

Tech Roundup: Brazil big ICT spenders

With a growing digital economy, Brazil is spending much more on ICT, with the sector hitting its highest forecasts in eight years

2 weeks ago • Ana Ferraz

Tech

YouTube removal of Bolsonaro video is more PR than policy

The big tech giant pats itself on the back for removing disinformation spread by the president, but its moves have not been consequential

3 weeks ago • Cedê Silva

Tech

How Eve plans to get its urban air mobility vehicle flying by 2026

The Embraer spin-off has attracted some heavyweight partners since the start of its solo flight in 2020. The key to bringing in investors is Eve's capacity to actually produce such a machine on a commercial scale

4 weeks ago • Fabiane Ziolla Menezes

Podcast

Explaining Brazil #210: Pro-democracy pushback

As President Jair Bolsonaro's anti-democratic antics grow in volume, banks and tycoons become vocal in their defense of democracy. A coup, after all, is bad for business

17 hours ago • Gustavo Ribeiro

Podcast

Explaining Brazil #209: The state of monkeypox in Brazil

Brazil has over 1,300 confirmed cases of monkeypox. With the exception of Peru’s 275 confirmed cases, no other Latin American countries have hit the 100-case mark, making Brazil the region's monkeypox hotspot

1 week ago • Euan Marshall

Podcast

Explaining Brazil #208: Electoral gears start to heat up

The main candidacies in Brazil's presidential election in October have been made official by their parties. We discuss what that changes in the race

2 weeks ago • Gustavo Ribeiro

Podcast

Explaining Brazil #207: Anitta enters the presidential race

Arguably Brazil's biggest pop star of the moment, singer Anitta has endorsed former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — and is even giving him campaign advice

3 weeks ago • Gustavo Ribeiro

Podcast

Explaining Brazil #206: Fears of political violence grow

The murder of a Workers' Party official spells a bad omen for Brazil's upcoming general election

4 weeks ago • Gustavo Ribeiro

massacre Mothers of slaughtered Carandiru inmates ask for justice during a 2016 event. Photo: Rovena Rosa/ABr

Society

House committee to vote on amnesty for Brazil’s worst prison massacre

The 1992 Carandiru massacre is the bloodiest episode of prison violence in Brazil’s recent history. A House committee could now vote to get the ball rolling on amnestying the perpetrators

1 week ago • Cedê Silva

Society

With monkeypox threat, Brazil risks repeating Covid failures

The Health Ministry claims to have ordered vaccines but The Brazilian Report understands that approval has not been sought

2 weeks ago • Cedê Silva

Society

After six months, Brazil still has not rolled out enough vaccines for children

Following an analysis of public data, The Brazilian Report understands that Brazil still doesn't have enough Covid jabs for children

3 weeks ago • Cedê Silva

Society

Anvisa greenlights CoronaVac for kids aged 3 to 5

Regulators have authorized the use of the Sinovac-developed Covid vaccine on children aged 3 to 5, but officials have already used the lion's share of available stocks

4 weeks ago • Cedê Silva

Society

Brazil is on the verge of a drug shortage

A recent survey shows that there is a lack of drugs and other medical supplies in Brazil’s hospitals and health centers. The government says it has already done all it can in response

4 weeks ago • Fabiane Ziolla Menezes

Environment

‘Poison bill’ could progress this month, environment and human rights bodies are furious

The controversial bill would drastically change pesticide regulations, making it considerably easier for new and potentially harmful products to be licensed for use

15 hours ago • Constance Malleret

Petrobras refinery in Paraná state. Photo: Gel Lima/Código19/Folhapress

Environment

Petrobras fines being used to set model for environmental compensation

Over BRL 100 million in compensation paid by Petrobras for a 2001 diesel leak has taken decades to reach its intended target, but environmental agencies hope latest deal will set an example

3 days ago • Amanda Audi

Environment

The disappearing vegetation of Mato Grosso

Literally translated as 'thick vegetation,' the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso has been changed dramatically by the power of major agribusiness, and the forest cover which gave it its name is now largely gone

7 days ago • Euan Marshall

carbon credit market Cattle grazing during the dry season in the Caatinga biome in Uirauna, Paraíba. Photo: Cacio Murilo/Shutterstock

Environment

Caatinga region to have Brazil’s first carbon credit cooperative

Landowners in the semi-arid Northeast are keen on getting involved in the carbon market, but their properties are too small to generate credits in the traditional manner

2 weeks ago • Ana Ferraz

Environment

Bolsonaro feigns a return of the Amazon Fund

After ignoring and gutting the Amazon Fund for years, the Jair Bolsonaro administration now appears to want to revive it. Experts remain skeptical, however

2 weeks ago • Cedê Silva

Bolivia protesters clash with police forces. Photo: Martín Alipaz/EFE

Latin America

How the census has provoked mass protests in Bolivia

Regional conflict between the ruling MAS party and the country’s easternmost provinces has often turned bloody. This time, the sides are at loggerheads over demography

5 days ago • Ignacio Portes

Latin America

Violence and arrests compound swirling crisis in Guatemala

Unpopular head of state Alejandro Giammattei was shot at during a visit to Guatemala's western highlands, while he faces criticism over arrest of prominent journalist

6 days ago • Lucas Berti

President Alberto Fernández of Argentina (left) and newly-appointed Economy Minister Sergio Massa hug each other. Photo: Néstor J. Beremblum/Alamy Stock Photo

Latin America

Despite market-friendly turn, Kirchnerites support new Economy Minister

Upon taking office as the country's new economic tsar, Sergio Massa announced big subsidy cuts — which have been taboo for left-leaning Peronists

7 days ago • Ignacio Portes

Latin America

Boric has a plan B if Chile rejects the new constitution

The president has proposed a new Constituent Assembly should the draft document be voted down in the September 4 referendum. But campaign leaders remain optimistic about victory

2 weeks ago • Ignacio Portes

peru Poll suggest that three-quarters of the population do not approve of the president. Photo: Presidencia Perú/Shutterstock

Latin America

Castillo’s annus horribilis in Peru

President Pedro Castillo completes one year in office today, with little assurance that he will remain in charge for that much longer

2 weeks ago • Lucas Berti

Opinion

Lower consumer prices give Bolsonaro a fighting chance in October

If the elections were today, former President Lula could beat Bolsonaro in a landslide. But there is still a long way to go

2 days ago • Luciano Sobral

President Jair Bolsonaro and Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira (left), a recently-retired Army general, have hinted that they may not accept the October election results. Photo: Marcos Corrêa/PR

Opinion

Bolsonaro’s authoritarian pursuits put the West in a bind

Two months ahead of the presidential elections, Western diplomats face a dilemma as Jair Bolsonaro signals he will not recognize the result if he loses

1 week ago • Oliver Stuenkel

bolsonaro Pro-democracy demonstration in Salvador, Bahia. Photo: Thales Antonio/Shutterstock

Opinion

Brazil goes Back to the Future for October’s election

Without the credibility as an outsider, Jair Bolsonaro is taking lessons from Trump's 2020 defeat: speaking to his base and bashing the electoral system

2 weeks ago • Mauricio Moura

corruption scandal President Jair Bolsonaro and House Speaker Arthur Lira (right) have worked in tandem to jack up budgetary grants for lawmakers. Photo: Marcos Corrêa/PR

Opinion

Why Bolsonaro’s “secret budget” is much worse than Lula’s Mensalão

Many have equated the main corruption scandal during the Lula years to Jair Bolsonaro's so-called "secret budget." But the comparison is not accurate

3 weeks ago • Beatriz Rey

nearshoring china Port of Manzanillo, Mexico. Even Mexico, far better placed to attract U.S. companies concerned about the geopolitical risks of depending on China, has not seen a significant increase of manufacturing exports to the U.S. yet — contrary to countries like Vietnam and Taiwan, which so far seem to be the biggest beneficiaries of U.S. attempts to reduce its economic dependence on China. Photo: Ungureanu Catalina Oana/Shutterstock

Opinion

U.S. nearshoring doesn’t automatically benefit Latin America

Expectations that region will attract massive investments as a result of a U.S.-China decoupling will likely turn out to be overly optimistic

4 weeks ago • Oliver Stuenkel

cuisine "People became desperate to discover regionalities, to discover traditions," says Tuca Mezzomo, chef at Charco, a restaurant in São Paulo. Photo: Julia Rodrigues/Charco

Tourism

Rediscovery of local ingredients earns Brazilian cuisine international recognition

As globalized gastronomy seeks local ingredients and techniques, Brazilian food is reaping the rewards with its own culinary revolution

3 weeks ago • Eric Zalcman

Tourism

War in Ukraine slowing down long-awaited recovery of Brazil’s travel industry

High oil prices, a still-unfavorable exchange rate, and inflation that bites into consumers’ discretionary spending mean the sector still faces a hard post-Covid road ahead

4 months ago • Ana Ferraz

Tourism

Brazil is an emerging gay tourism hotspot, but the government doesn’t want to know

Actions to promote gay tourism in the country have been actively ignored since Jair Bolsonaro came to power, despite Brazil having some of the world's best LGBTQ+-friendly spots

5 months ago • Amanda Audi

Marshal looking for survivors in Petrópolis

Tourism

Petrópolis disaster leaves a scar on Brazil’s historical landmarks

With hundreds dead and much physical destruction, evidence emerges of authorities’ negligence in preparing prevention and mitigation strategies

6 months ago • Renato Alves and Ana Ferraz

Tourism

Idyllic canyon region tries to keep tourism alive after deadly disaster

A deadly cliff collapse in Capitólio has left tourists scared to return, and locals afraid they will lose their revenue

6 months ago • Renato Alves

Guide to Brazil

Brazil creates a visa for foreign “digital nomads”

The country follows in the footsteps of dozens of nations around the world, offering temporary residence to people working remotely for foreign countries. Justice Ministry officials say it will attract foreign capital and boost tourism

6 months ago • Iure Pontes Vieira

october 12 People light candles to celebrate the day of Our Lady of Aparecida. Photo taken on Oct. 12, 2016. Photo: Nelson Antoine/Shutterstock

Guide to Brazil

October 12: a celebration of Brazil’s patron saint

According to legend, fishermen were inundated with fish to catch soon after finding an image of a black Virgin Mary. Since then, Our Lady of Aparecida has become Brazil's most popular and important saints

10 months ago • Euan Marshall

Rio's Christ the Redeemer. Photo: Ricardo Cohen/Shutterstock

Guide to Brazil

The story of Christ the Redeemer, 90 years old

Brazil's most popular tourist attraction, the story of how Christ the Redeemer came about is a fascinating one. This week's Rio celebrates the statue's 90th anniversary

10 months ago • Renato Alves

Guide to Brazil

The lesser-known story of the Brazilian Inquisition

After terrorizing much of Spain and Portugal, the inquisition spread to many of these countries' colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas — including to Brazil

10 months ago • Renato Alves

Guide to Brazil

Paulo Mendes da Rocha leaves behind incomparable legacy in Brazilian architecture

Among the most influential modernists in Brazilian history, Paulo Mendes da Rocha designed many of São Paulo's most famous tourist attractions and left a legacy of devoted followers

1 year ago • Renato Alves

All

‘Poison bill’ could progress this month, environment and human rights bodies are furious

The controversial bill would drastically change pesticide regulations, making it considerably easier for new and potentially harmful products to be licensed for use

A putschist meeting shows up Bolsonaro’s erratic foreign policy

The guest list for President Bolsonaro’s July 18 meeting with foreign diplomats lays bare the Brazilian president’s erratic approach to foreign policy, and highlights how he shuns key partners such as Argentina and China

Lower consumer prices give Bolsonaro a fighting chance in October

If the elections were today, former President Lula could beat Bolsonaro in a landslide. But there is still a long way to go

Absences and presidents mark kickoff of debate season in Brazil

Gubernatorial candidates in ten states held debates on Sunday evening, though there were some high-profile absences. Besides regional issues, contenders focused on the Lula-Bolsonaro divide

Tech roundup: A look at the 5G debut in Brazil

5G officially launches in São Paulo, but we take a look at how companies are already using the technology around the country

Petrobras fines being used to set model for environmental compensation

Over BRL 100 million in compensation paid by Petrobras for a 2001 diesel leak has taken decades to reach its intended target, but environmental agencies hope latest deal will set an example

Why banks are now voicing concern about Brazilian democracy

Fearful of the economic consequences of a Bolsonaro-led coup attempt, Big business has belatedly decided to speak up, signing manifestos in defense of democracy

Electoral court opens doors to digital influencers in defense of electronic voting

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court invited a group of 30 digital influencers to its headquarters, seeking to dispel myths and lies spread about the country's voting system

A putschist meeting shows up Bolsonaro’s erratic foreign policy

The guest list for President Bolsonaro’s July 18 meeting with foreign diplomats lays bare the Brazilian president’s erratic approach to foreign policy, and highlights how he shuns key partners such as Argentina and China

Absences and presidents mark kickoff of debate season in Brazil

Gubernatorial candidates in ten states held debates on Sunday evening, though there were some high-profile absences. Besides regional issues, contenders focused on the Lula-Bolsonaro divide

Electoral court opens doors to digital influencers in defense of electronic voting

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court invited a group of 30 digital influencers to its headquarters, seeking to dispel myths and lies spread about the country's voting system

Brazil shrugs at independence bicentennial amid coup threats

Brazil will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its independence from Portugal on September 7. But there is little enthusiasm around the date, amid fears that it may instead be marked by a pro-Bolsonaro uprising against democratic institutions

Why economy-boosting measures won’t save Bolsonaro

Jair Bolsonaro has been in full desperation mode, trying to increase benefits and win popular support — but it looks to be too little, too late

Bolsonaro withdraws nomination for Brazil’s ambassador to UAE

Guedes says Brazil should “not give a f***” about France

High food prices push Brazilian retail sales to seven-month low

Accounts Court tell Car Wash prosecutors to repay public purse

July deflation conceals soaring services prices

Bolsonaro once again touts ineffective drugs against Covid

Opposition senators accuse pro-Bolsonaro prosecutor of malfeasance

São Paulo moves forward with fourth vaccine dose rollout

Regulators threaten to cancel Oi Telecom sale amid stalemate on roaming prices

Rate of positive Covid tests in Brazil on par with Omicron wave

Rosa Weber to take over Supreme Court’s rotating presidency

Bolsonaro adversary to analyze president’s candidacy

Manifesto for democracy targeted with cyberattacks

Why Brazil’s Electoral Court blocked a televised address by the Health Minister

Bolsonaro is competitive among voters living in favelas

Why banks are now voicing concern about Brazilian democracy

Fearful of the economic consequences of a Bolsonaro-led coup attempt, Big business has belatedly decided to speak up, signing manifestos in defense of democracy

Market roundup: Higher interest rates push retail investors to fixed income

The returns on fixed income fluctuate in opposite direction to the benchmark interest rate. With rates at a six-year high, investors are fleeing from variable interest

Brazil’s Central Bank sends ambiguous message on interest rate hikes

The monetary authority raised benchmark rates by a half percentage point and said it is appropriate to continue tightening "significantly into even more restrictive territory." But many policy wonks believe it might not pull the trigger

Retailers will benefit from recent stimulus measures. But it won’t last

The case of Brazilian retail behemoth Magazine Luiza illustrates the challenges facing the country’s retail sector. The government’s electorally-motivated stimulus measures will provide a boost for retailers after a post-pandemic slump, but only in the short term

J&F’s beef with Paper Excellence not over yet

A court decision that was supposed to end Brazil’s largest corporate dispute in years might still be challenged

Tech roundup: A look at the 5G debut in Brazil

5G officially launches in São Paulo, but we take a look at how companies are already using the technology around the country

Tech roundup: Brazil’s video game problem

The flip side to the boom in Brazil’s video game industry is excessive usage, and high levels of associated problems, among young Brazilians

Tech Roundup: Brazil big ICT spenders

With a growing digital economy, Brazil is spending much more on ICT, with the sector hitting its highest forecasts in eight years

YouTube removal of Bolsonaro video is more PR than policy

The big tech giant pats itself on the back for removing disinformation spread by the president, but its moves have not been consequential

How Eve plans to get its urban air mobility vehicle flying by 2026

The Embraer spin-off has attracted some heavyweight partners since the start of its solo flight in 2020. The key to bringing in investors is Eve's capacity to actually produce such a machine on a commercial scale

Explaining Brazil #210: Pro-democracy pushback

As President Jair Bolsonaro's anti-democratic antics grow in volume, banks and tycoons become vocal in their defense of democracy. A coup, after all, is bad for business

Explaining Brazil #209: The state of monkeypox in Brazil

Brazil has over 1,300 confirmed cases of monkeypox. With the exception of Peru’s 275 confirmed cases, no other Latin American countries have hit the 100-case mark, making Brazil the region's monkeypox hotspot

Explaining Brazil #208: Electoral gears start to heat up

The main candidacies in Brazil's presidential election in October have been made official by their parties. We discuss what that changes in the race

Explaining Brazil #207: Anitta enters the presidential race

Arguably Brazil's biggest pop star of the moment, singer Anitta has endorsed former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — and is even giving him campaign advice

Explaining Brazil #206: Fears of political violence grow

The murder of a Workers' Party official spells a bad omen for Brazil's upcoming general election

House committee to vote on amnesty for Brazil’s worst prison massacre

The 1992 Carandiru massacre is the bloodiest episode of prison violence in Brazil’s recent history. A House committee could now vote to get the ball rolling on amnestying the perpetrators

With monkeypox threat, Brazil risks repeating Covid failures

The Health Ministry claims to have ordered vaccines but The Brazilian Report understands that approval has not been sought

After six months, Brazil still has not rolled out enough vaccines for children

Following an analysis of public data, The Brazilian Report understands that Brazil still doesn't have enough Covid jabs for children

Anvisa greenlights CoronaVac for kids aged 3 to 5

Regulators have authorized the use of the Sinovac-developed Covid vaccine on children aged 3 to 5, but officials have already used the lion's share of available stocks