Good morning! We wrap up the most important facts of the week. Brazilians blaming on President Bolsonaro for Brazil’s economic woes. And shopping malls’ struggle against e-commerce.
The week in review
Tensions 1. The “push and pull” relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches continues. The House approved some of the President’s provisional decrees which were set to expire on June 3, but Speaker Rodrigo Maia said his relationship with the government’s whip is “beyond repair.” On Friday, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes threatened to resign if lawmakers approve a watered-down version of his pension reform.
Tensions 2. The government’s win in Congress this week was partial. Despite approving the piece of legislation that establishes the current layout of the presidential cabinet, the measure was tweaked by members of the House—the Justice Ministry lost control over the money laundering enforcement agency (COAF), which could be used more intensely in anti-corruption probes, and the Agriculture Ministry lost its power to demarcate indigenous lands.
Tensions 3. On Sunday, President Bolsonaro’s supporters are set to protest against Congress and the Supreme Court. The president mulled over joining the demonstrations but was advised against it. Party leaders believe that the protests will escalate political tensions—regardless...