Brazil in Focus

Society must leverage information for better government

Brazil's fiscal carnival

by Walter Molano

There's no doubt that Brazilians know how to party. Few countries could even hope to match their carnival parades, with the fancy garb, pulsing music and exotic floats. Data released last week by the national statistics agency (IBGE) confirmed that the Brazilian economy also had a bash in 2010.

                                                                                                                                            photo Rogério Reis / Tyba    

For some time now, the design and execution of Brazil's macroeconomic policies have left a lot to be desired. Whether it's the lack of coordination between authorities or the absence of any institution capable of harmonizing their actions, the disconnect in Brasília is glaring. When it comes to tending the public finances, everyone appears to be dedicated to looking after his own backyard, never mind if that means sweeping the dirt into the neighbor's yard or under the carpet.

Bias and Prejudice in the Brazilian Elections

by Alberto Carlos Almeida

When our own faith is involved, we call it religion. When  it is somebody else's religion we like to call it a sect  or false belief. It's no different in politics. Much of the current take on what will become of Brazil should Workers Party (PT) candidate Dilma Rousseff become president is colored by prejudice. With Rousseff touted to win the Oct. 31 runoff vote against former São Paulo governor José Serra fast approaching, it's time to step back and take a better look.

by Aloizio Mercadante

Mark Twain famously once had to deny rumors of his own death. It's no different with Mercosul. Reports of the South American customs union's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Azaléia shoe factory, photo by Rogério Reis/ Tyba