In this week’s issue: The most important facts of the week. Recessions spell trouble for Brazilian leaders. What are presidential debates good for?
The week in review
- 2018 Election. Eight candidates took part in the campaign’s first debate on Thursday evening. Incarcerated former President Lula, the leader in opinion polls, was denied the right to participate via Skype. Candidates pandered to their own bases and played safe, in an underwhelming and extremely drawn-out broadcast.
- Lula. After launching Lula as its presidential nominee with former São Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad as his running mate, the Workers’ Party declared that Manuela D’Ávila, of the Communist Party of Brazil, will in fact be its VP nominee. If Lula is allowed to run, Ms. D’Ávila will replace Fernando Haddad as vice president. If the former president is kept off the ballot, Mr. Haddad will be the presidential nominee, with Ms. D’Ávila as his running mate.
- Pesticides. A federal judge from Brasília suspended the use of pesticides which contain abamectin, glyphosate, and thiram for thirty days, until the National Sanitary Agency approves these products. The Ministry of Agriculture has appealed the decision. More on pesticides.
- Inflation. Brazil’s official inflation rate for the month of July was 0.33%,...