Today, we take a look at Brazil’s first half of 2020 — as we hit the midpoint of what has been the coronavirus year. Think back to January 1. We were wondering if the Brazilian economy would finally get out of the slump this year. Now, we are bracing ourselves for what post-pandemic Brazil has in store.
Halftime in 2020: a recap of the year so far in Brazil
At the beginning of the year, we were discussing whether 2020 would finally be the year that Brazil enacted several important reforms — such as an overhaul of its tax system, and a public service reform, cutting back on the many perks federal public servants enjoy on the taxpayers’ money. We were even discussing if Economy Minister Paulo Guedes would be able to reshape Brazil’s federation. These conversations seem ludicrous now, after a first-half of 2020 dominated by a single subject: the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of passing landmark reforms, the Brazilian government is just trying to make it to next year with the country in one piece.
Coronavirus in Brazil. Despite being weeks behind other countries in the pandemic spread, Brazil botched its Covid-19 response at every step of the way. President...