We scrutinise the role of the Public Ministry and the Federal Audit Court, whose efforts to ensure transparency may be overstepping the mark.
Politics
Why Rousseff's popularity is growing
Several explanations for the president’s record approval ratings have been put forward by local commentators.
28 March 2013
BNDES downgrade highlights tensions
Local commentators debate Moody’s decision to cut ratings on two public banks, a move that highlights concerns about the recent stimulus strategy.
28 March 2013
A disastrous short cut
The government’s proposal for a new public fund to finance infrastructure has deservedly received a hostile reception from local commentators.
14 March 2013
Oil royalties – Rousseff’s veto overturned, but impact should be limited
As expected, congress has voted overwhelmingly to reject a presidential veto, and to distribute royalties from existing oil concessions more equally between states.
07 March 2013
Port plans under fire
Unions oppose liberalisation plan, bringing some ports to a halt.
28 February 2013
Infrastructure: BNDES prepares for central role
The development bank has invested in tax-exempt debentures, yet there is little detail in its plans to increase financing for the overall package of transport projects.
28 February 2013
Next year’s presidential campaign kicks off
Partisan political exchanges have led some commentators to conclude that president Dilma Rousseff is posing as a nationalist, rather than a technocrat.
28 February 2013
Crime: public perceptions worsen
There is little evidence of a generalised rise in crime, although attacks in São Paulo – and the displacement of gangs to the north-east – present serious challenges to the authorities.
14 February 2013
Latest report
09 May 2013
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