Cleaning worker at the bus station in São Paulo

Political situation Crisis leads to political change of direction

After a "golden decade" of growth (2003 to 2013) accompanied by success in reducing poverty, Brazil is currently going through an economic, political and social crisis. In recent years, widespread corruption has come to light involving prominent individuals from the spheres of politics and business.

Numerous politicians and government officials have been accused of taking bribes and are under investigation. The corruption scandal and a severe economic crisis have caused a surge in discontent among the population.

The presidential elections in 2018 were won by Jair Bolsonaro, who took office on 1 January 2019. Bolsonaro has appointed numerous former members of the military forces to serve in his cabinet. The president has named fighting corruption and crime, and boosting the economy as his political priorities.

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