1. Bolsonaro and Putin promised bilateral cooperation between their countries

In the second day of his visit to Russia, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They both promised to strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations between the countries.

During his visit to the Kremlin, Bolsonaro thanked Putin for the partnership when it comes to fertilizers for agriculture (a deal that is set to be expanded) and was promised cooperation in the digital security and oil and gas exploration departments. Both leaders also opened a dialogue about biodiversity and sustainability.

Estadão: Com Putin, Bolsonaro diz ser solidário a países que se empenham pela paz
UOL: Bolsonaro chama Putin de ‘amigo’ e diz ter valores em comum: Deus e família
G1: Depois de se submeter às regras sanitárias russas, Bolsonaro consegue foto com Putin

2. Federal Police deny Moro’s statement and accuse him of using the institution for his own electoral campaign

Paulo Maiurino, General Director of the Brazilian Federal Police, published a statement denying many of the criticisms made by former minister and possible presidential candidate Sergio Moro after he questioned the work of the Police. Maiurino says Moro is making “empty” allegations, as there were no significant changes in police operations while Moro was Minister of Justice (from January 2019 to April 2020). Moro responded by saying that he respects the police, investigators, agents, clerks, experts, fingerprint analysts and public servants, saying that things will improve and everyone will be respected again.

Folha de S. Paulo: Nota oficial contra Moro empurra Polícia Federal para debate eleitoral
O Globo: PF divulga nota para rebater declarações de Moro e diz que ex-ministro ‘mente’
UOL: PF diz que Moro mentiu e que papel da corporação não é fazer ‘espetáculos’

3. Electoral Court establishes a partnership with social networks to fight fake news during the election

Earlier this week, the Superior Electoral Court formed a partnership with eight social media platforms to fight disinformation and the spread of fake news that could affect the Brazilian election in October. Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp. Google, Instagram, YouTube and Kwai are part of the initiative. Telegram, a platform used extensively by Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters, has yet to respond. The initiative plans to monitor misleading information and remove content that violates the rules.

Agência Brasil: TSE formaliza acordo com 8 redes sociais para combater desinformação
Folha de S. Paulo: Entenda regras para redes sociais nas eleições de EUA e Brasil
Jota: WhatsApp não deve ser usado para marketing político, diz executivo

4. Trade confidence drops in February after two months of increase

The National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) registered that the Trade Entrepreneur Confidence Index (ICEC) dropped 1.2% in February (down to 119.3 points) when compared to January (121.1 points). Despite the drop, results are still in the so-called “satisfaction zone” above 100 points. This is the first drop registered in two months. According to CNC, higher electricity and fuel prices have led businesses to increase prices, in turn leading to a decrease in consumption and an increase in concern from executives.

Estadão: Confiança do comércio recua em fevereiro após dois meses de alta
UOL: Confiança do comércio cai em fevereiro, aponta CNC
Zero Hora: Índice de confiança empresarial da Industria é o menor para fevereiro desde 2017

5. National Court of Accounts approves first stage of Eletrobras privatization

The National Court of Accounts (TCU) approved the first and most important stage of the privatization process of Eletrobras. The decision –supported by the Bolsonaro administration– passed with 6 votes to 1. The court is composed of nine ministers, but only seven could vote, as one was the session’s President and another was on holiday. The second stage of the privatization process will discuss how the business will be sold. It will be analyzed by March. The Minister responsible for this second stage will again be Aroldo Cedraz.

UOL: Por seis votos a um, TCU aprova primeira etapa da privatização da Eletrobras
Folha de S. Paulo: Ministro do TCU afirma que Eletrobras deve ser privatizada por R$ 130 bi
Carta Capital: ‘Um crime de lesa-pátria. Vamos à Justiça’, diz Gleisi sobre a Eletrobras