Hello! In this issue: The most important facts of the week. Brazilians are afraid of unemployment. And Brazil’s campaign financing rules.
The week in review
- 2018 election 1. Brazil has entered the period of national party conventions, which lasts until August 5. During these weeks, parties will launch their candidates and coalitions. The Democratic Labor Party, on the center-left, launched Ciro Gomes – who, after losing the support of the center-right, raised his tone in order to attract other leftist parties.
- 2018 election 2. Seven center-right parties that operate as a united caucus (the so-called “big center”) have decided to support former São Paulo Governor Geraldo Alckmin in the presidential race. The move (which is yet to be confirmed) gives life to Mr. Alckmin’s bid and comes as a massive blow to Ciro Gomes.
- Infant mortality. For the first time since 1990, the number of Brazilian children who died before their first birthday has risen. According to the Ministry of Health, Brazil registered a rate of 14 deaths/1,000 births in 2016 – up by 4.8% from the previous year. The 2015-2016 zika virus outbreak and Brazil’s recent recession (the worst on record) are the biggest reasons for the rise.
- Corruption. André Puccinelli, the former governor of Mato Grosso...