This week, in What’s Happening in Brazil, we investigate how the end of the government’s pandemic emergency aid package is throwing families into abject poverty. With no prospects for work in a battered economy, poor families are now facing hunger, as the government is yet to speak out on the future of not only this, but other social assistance programs.
In the week’s latest news, Banco do Brasil employees went on strike for 24 hours last Wednesday, February 10th, to protest the banks recent restructuring plan. The project foresees the closure of hundreds of branches, the reduction of wages, as well as a voluntary dismissal program.
Another news highlight, was a court decision that allows for former president Lula’s defense team, to use hacked text messages exchanged between prosecutors and superstar judge Sérgio Moro. The conversations show that the two sides colluded in the proceedings, aimed at handing Lula a harsh sentence and ending his brilliant political career. If it is proven that this collusion did in fact occur, both of the ex-president’s sentences may be annulled.
In our Culture talk segment, we take a look at a recent award winning book, written by Itamar Viera Junior, which tells the story of two sisters growing up in a Quilombola community, which are historic rural communes founded by runaway slaves, that thrive till this very day.
Lastly, in our Brazilianism segment, as is tradition on the show, we teach our viewers a delicious local recipe, and introduce you to quality Brazilian music. Enjoy the show!
