🇧🇷 Brazil Episodes

Last week, a decision by the Chamber of Deputies plenary suspended the criminal action against Congressman Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ), defendant for attempted coup. Since then, the Chamber and the Supreme Court have returned to a "tug-of-war": the five ministers of the Supreme Court's 1st Panel overturned the Chamber's decision. Subsequently, the president of the Chamber, Congressman Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), filed an appeal with the Supreme Court requesting that the case be analyzed by the full Court. The case reignites an institutional crisis between the Legislative and Judiciary branches, as Natuza Nery explains in this episode in conversation with Fernando Abrucio. Professor at FGV-SP and commentator for GloboNews, Abrucio details the political and legal meanings of the Chamber's decision and the Supreme Court's response. He assesses the current status of the relationship between parliamentarians and ministers of the Supreme Court. For Abrucio, despite the current tension, the relationship between the two powers is in the "easy phase": he answers what the prospects are for an even greater crisis. And he concludes what Hugo Motta's intention is in doubling down and appealing the Supreme Court's decision in the Ramagem case. Abrucio points out that the president of the Chamber signals to his peers that, in the future, he may defend each of them.

At 89, Pepe Mujica died Tuesday (13th) from esophageal cancer. Mujica fought the Uruguayan dictatorship and suffered torture during his over 10 years of imprisonment. Pardoned and freed in 1985, he entered partisan life. Elected president in 2010, he governed until 2015, then served as senator until retiring from politics. At the end of 2024, he made his last speech at a rally: "I am an old man who is very close to retiring to a place from which there is no return." To recall Mujica's trajectory and how he went from guerrilla to "pop icon," Natuza Nery talks with Ariel Palácios, Globo's correspondent in Buenos Aires. Ariel, author of the book "Latin America, Side B," recalls meetings he had with Mujica, and the day he was the former Uruguayan president's bodyguard. Ariel details the political life of the former Uruguayan president, from guerrilla times to retirement, and what differentiated him from other leaders. "He was not a classic politician. He was like the figure of a grandfather, without being a paternal and populist figure," he affirms. Ariel highlights Mujica's simple profile, in line with Uruguayan culture, where ostentation is devalued. And he concludes what Pepe Mujica's legacy is: "he showed that a politician can live austerely."

After months of escalating tariff disputes, the United States and China jointly announced a 90-day truce in reciprocal tariffs between the two countries. Thus, US tariffs on Chinese imports will fall from 145% to 30%. And China's rates on American products will be reduced from 125% to 10%. To explain how the two sides reached the agreement – released after a series of meetings between trade officials over the weekend in Switzerland – Natuza Nery speaks with economist Otaviano Canuto. Professor at George Washington University, in the USA, Canuto details how Donald Trump's tariffs reflected on the American economy. He, who was vice-president of the World Bank and executive director of the IMF, analyzes whether the truce between the US and China removes the fear of recession. Direct from China, professor Marcus Vinicius de Freitas details the effects of the tariff in the Asian country, and what are the responses of the Beijing government. He, who teaches at the University of Foreign Affairs of China, talks about how the negotiations between the two parties were. Marcus Vinicius also talks about what to expect from the meeting between Lula and Xi Jinping, scheduled for this Tuesday, and what is the status of the relationship between Brazil and China.

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayan mountain range, the Kashmir region is rich in natural beauty and water resources. A strategic place where the interests of three countries collide: Pakistan, India, and China. And the scene of three wars between Pakistanis and Indians, in a conflict that has lasted almost 80 years. Historical tension reignited in mid-April, when an attack in the Indian region of Kashmir left 26 tourists dead, mostly Hindus. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi blamed Pakistan for the attack. On the other side, the Pakistani government denied it and launched an offensive against the neighboring country. On Saturday (10th), US President Donald Trump announced a truce in the conflict, but hours later, India and Pakistan exchanged accusations of disrespect for the ceasefire. The hostilities put the world on alert, as both countries have nuclear weapons. To explain the origins of the dispute in Kashmir and the risk of an escalation in the conflict between India and Pakistan, Natuza Nery receives Gunther Rudzit. Rudzit, PhD in Political Science from USP and professor of International Relations at ESPM, details the status of recent tension between the two countries, the size of each side's nuclear arsenal, and how China plays an important role in this story.

It was past 6 PM local time when the expected white smoke began to emerge from the Sistine Chapel chimney in the Vatican. On the second day of the conclave, it was the sign the world awaited: the 133 cardinals gathered had a consensus on the new pope. Born in the USA, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected and chose the name Leo XIV. Vatican expert Mirticeli Medeiros describes who Prevost is – she was the one who, on the subject of last Wednesday (7th), the starting date of the conclave, warned about the possibility of him being the new pope. Live from St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, Mirticeli speaks again with Natuza Nery to recall who Prevost is and the meanings around the choice of the name Leo XIV. She answers whether the new pope represents continuity in relation to Francis, his predecessor. And she analyzes the signs given by Leo XIV in his first speech. Also participating, live from the Vatican, is journalist Gerson Camarotti. Commentator for TV Globo, GloboNews and columnist for g1, Camarotti reports on how the campaign was conducted in favor of Prevost, a cardinal who became a Peruvian citizen. Camarotti recalls how Prevost acted within the Catholic Church and what to expect from the relationship between Leo XIV and the President of the USA, Donald Trump, criticized by Prevost for his immigration policy.

In 2023, a unanimous Supreme Federal Court decision mandated Congress to redistribute the 513 Chamber seats based on the 2022 Census data – the number of deputies is proportional to each state's population. The STF gave until June 30th of this year for the redistribution. Otherwise, the TSE should do the redivision. With the deadline approaching, the Chamber approved last Tuesday (6th) a bill increasing the number of federal deputies from 513 to 531. There were 270 votes in favor and 207 against. Now, the text goes to the Senate. To explain the project's political and economic impacts, Natuza Nery receives Lara Mesquita. Doctor in Political Science and professor at FGV's School of Economics in São Paulo, Lara details what the project foresees and analyzes whether it corrects, or not, representativeness distortions in the Chamber of Deputies.

"Todos para fora."

The billion-dollar fraud that ousted Carlos Lupi (PDT) from the Ministry of Social Security opened a new crisis within the Lula government. The opposition promises to open a CPI this week to investigate the scheme that may have diverted more than R$ 6 billion and affected more than 4 million people. Meanwhile, the government promises in the coming days the plan to compensate retirees and pensioners who were harmed. In conversation with Natuza Nery in this episode, GloboNews reporter Guilherme Balza traces the timeline of this unprecedented fraud at the INSS. Balza, who closely follows the scandal, recalls the signs that show how the now former minister Carlos Lupi was negligent about the scheme. He also explains how, in just one act, the INSS released the irregular discount on benefits of more than 34.5 thousand retirees. To explain the political effects of the fraud, Natuza Nery also receives journalist Daniela Lima. Columnist for g1 and presenter of GloboNews, Daniela reveals how the investigation into this case may go beyond payroll deductions and what developments were discovered by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). Daniela also analyzes the political dimension of the case and the possible developments of a CPI on the scandal.

Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjaro were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes, but have shown surprising performance in combating obesity as well. Studies show that, under proper medical guidance, the use of these drugs results in a loss of up to 20% of the patient's initial weight. Produced from semaglutide, a substance that acts on satiety control, the drugs are applied via injection and have the shape of a "pen". The fame of miraculous solution for weight loss resulted in a real rush to pharmacies: the rampant use, without medical indication or supervision, has transformed these drugs into a public health problem. The list of dangers involves self-medication, smuggling, counterfeiting and even hospitalizations due to inappropriate use. Therefore, Anvisa decided that the medical prescription must be retained at the time of purchase of these slimming pens. To explain what this means in practice, Alan Severiano talks to the endocrinologist Bruno Geloneze, principal researcher at the Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), at Unicamp. Geloneze also talks about the risks of the rampant use of these drugs and says what are the benefits for people who really need and undergo a complete treatment - which includes changes in diet and lifestyle.

In the week TV Globo celebrates 60 years, O Assunto replays the special episode about the soap opera Vale Tudo. Originally aired between 1988 and 1989, the plot marked the history of Brazilian television from the ethical conflict: is anything worth doing to get ahead? Written by Gilberto Braga, Aguinaldo Silva and Leonor Bassères, the soap opera also addresses fundamental aspects of Brazilian society. The remake of Vale Tudo, on air since March 31 on TV Globo and Globoplay, revisits the same dilemmas, but from the perspective of today's Brazil. The author of the new version, Manuela Dias, emphasizes the challenge of balancing recognition of the original work with the need to surprise the public, incorporating the numerous technological, cultural and social updates that have occurred since then. "The biggest challenge will be killing Odete Roitman," says Manuela, in an interview with Natuza Nery - she even reveals that she already has a suspect in mind to take on the murder. The playwright tells how she updated the plot to the world of 2025 without mischaracterizing iconic characters such as Odete Roitman herself, as well as Raquel and Maria de Fátima. And to explain the importance of "Vale Tudo" for television drama and Brazilian culture, Natuza also talks with historian Martina Spohr, professor and coordinator of the laboratory for studies on the State, power and society at the School of Social Sciences/CPDOC, of FGV in Rio de Janeiro.

Liberal Mark Carney won the right to continue as Canada's prime minister in an election with a record number of voters. Carney's victory consolidates a turnaround in the country's political landscape – until January of this year, polls pointed to up to 80% favoritism for the opposition. In the Canadian electoral timeline, the turning point is clear: Donald Trump's inauguration as president of the United States, in January. “He was the anti-campaigner,” summarizes Maurício Moura, a professor at George Washington University, with whom Natuza Nery talks in this episode. As soon as he took office, Trump launched a series of provocations against the neighboring country, including the threat to annex Canada as the 51st American state. And he changed the focus of the election. Criticism of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was supplanted by the anti-Trump discourse adopted by Carney – Trudeau's successor, who resigned in March to prevent the Liberal Party from losing control of Parliament. The election in Canada, explains Maurício Moura, is the peak of the “Trump effect” so far: leaders who rival the American see their popularity increase worldwide.

Immigrant crisis, threat to annex Canada, WHO withdrawal, offensive against universities, controversial statements on Gaza and Ukraine... The list of actions in Trump's first 100 days of his second term includes public squabbles, the opening of a trade war against key US partners, and the disorganization of historical alliances. One hundred days after his return to the White House, a survey released in recent days by The Washington Post, ABC News, and the Ipsos Institute showed that 55% of the population disapproves of his government. It is the worst index in 80 years for a president in the first 100 days of his term. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks with Felippe Coaglio, Globo's correspondent in the US. He speaks directly from Iowa, the state that gave Trump a large victory and one of the pillars of American agribusiness. Felipe reports what he heard from farmers about the US president's tariff war: "there is a climate of uncertainty and they are struggling with labor," he says, citing the current government's anti-immigration policy. Then, Natuza receives Oliver Stuenkel, professor of International Relations at FGV, researcher at Harvard University and the Carnegie Endowment. Oliver analyzes the profound transformations, inside and outside the US, that Trump set in motion in his first 100 days in office. For him, American democracy faces "the greatest threat and the greatest challenge" in more than a century.

Founded in 1636, Harvard University was born even before the Independence of the USA (1776). With 388 years of life, now the prestigious educational institution is considered a “threat to democracy” by President Donald Trump. In another chapter of the battle between the US president and universities in the country, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the American government to prevent the freezing of more than US$ 2.2 billion in subsidies. In the background of this dispute are demands made by the Trump government to universities. For the academic community and other universities in the country, what is underway is an attempt at political interference. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks to Guga Chacra to explain what Trump wants and what the response of the most respected university in the USA is. Globo commentator in New York and columnist for the newspaper O Globo, Guga recalls how the president of the USA uses the argument that American universities are a stage for anti-Semitism to pressure for political alignment. Guga answers whether the American government has the power to prevent Harvard from accepting enrollments from foreign students, one of the threats made by Trump to Harvard. In the conversation, Guga also explains what allowed Harvard to resist, unlike the posture adopted by Columbia, another institution that is among the most respected in the country. He also analyzes the chances of the lawsuit opened by Harvard reaching the US Supreme Court.

A day after the Federal Police and the Comptroller General of the Union carried out an operation that ended with the INSS president being dismissed, the government suspended transfers to entities and said that affected retirees and pensioners will receive the money back. The case revealed by an operation on Wednesday (23) is the beginning of a "scandal", says journalist Camila Bomfim in conversation with Natuza Nery in this episode. On Wednesday, the now former president of INSS Alessandro Stefanutto and other members of the institute's leadership were the target of an operation that, according to investigations, benefited at least 11 entities suspected of unduly discounting the benefits of retirees and pensioners. The suspicion is that, between 2019 and 2024, the diversions may have reached more than R$ 6 billion. Columnist for g1 and presenter of GloboNews, Camila Bomfim recalls what weighed against Stefanutto and the indications that the case may lead to an even greater scandal. Camila reports how the INSS, whose last two presidents were appointed by the Minister of Social Security, Carlos Lupi, has become a source of concern for President Lula's government. "What Lupi has delivered so far has been a problem," she says, recalling how Lula's promise to eliminate the INSS queue is far from being fulfilled. Natuza Nery also talks with Diego Cherulli, lawyer and president of IBDP, the Brazilian Institute of Social Security Law. He explains how, by coordinating benefits for millions of Brazilians, the INSS is a source of fraud. "The blocking of transfers to entities should have been done last year," he says, recalling reports of blatant fraud at the institute. Cherulli answers what can be done to prevent new corruption schemes at the institute and what beneficiaries can do to protect themselves.

In 2024, the Labor Court registered over 258,000 lawsuits from workers seeking recognition of employment ties. This is a 57% increase compared to the previous year. And a number that reinforces the growing trend of judicialization of employer-employee relations since the labor reform came into effect in 2018. The volume of actions overburdens the judicial system. In the Supreme Federal Court alone, the increase was 76% between 2023 and 2024. Under this justification, Minister Gilmar Mendes decided, on April 14, to halt all labor lawsuits until the Court makes a collegial decision on the hiring modality of employees as Legal Entities, the so-called 'PJs'. To explain the theses that will guide the votes of the Supreme Court ministers in the case of general repercussion regarding hiring under the Legal Entity regime, Natuza Nery interviews Olívia Pasqualeto, professor of Labor Law at FGV-SP. Also in this episode, Nelson Marconi, professor of Economics also from FGV-SP, presents the results of his research on the impacts of pejotization.

The proposal originated in 2022 to spare protesters arrested in protests since the last presidential election result. It grew, encompassed other bills, and broadened its scope: now, it aims to pardon anyone who participated in the January 8 coup acts – before, during, or after that day; a pardon that would include former president Jair Bolsonaro, accused by the Attorney General's Office of attempted coup. In recent weeks, the opposition focused efforts on advancing the text in the Chamber of Deputies and managed to collect 262 signatures from deputies – the minimum number is 257 – to file the request for urgency in the bill's processing. Now it is the House Speaker, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), who decides whether or not to proceed with the proposal. The government is working to reverse some of the support for the amnesty: Gleisi Hoffmann, Minister of the Secretariat of Institutional Relations, questioned parliamentarians who are part of the allied base and voted in favor of the project. The government also hopes that, if the bill passes in the Chamber, it will be blocked in the Senate and considered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. To analyze the real chances of the amnesty advancing in Congress and explain the contradictions in the bill's text, Natuza Nery talks to Malu Gaspar, columnist for the newspaper O Globo and commentator for CBN radio.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born and lived most of his life in Buenos Aires, where he built an ecclesiastical career marked by service to the poorest. He became a priest and cardinal until, in March 2013, he was elected to the highest office of the Catholic Church. In history, he was the first Latin American pontiff, the first Jesuit and the first to adopt the name Francis. In 12 years of papacy, Francis promoted modernization within the Church. Evaluated by many as a progressive leader, he always stood up for the most vulnerable, spoke out against wars and social inequality, and worked to open doors to women and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. The Holy Father's trajectory at the head of the Vatican ended this Monday (21st). He died at the age of 88, a victim of a stroke and heart failure, a day after giving his blessing to the faithful during Easter mass in Saint Peter's Square. Between February and March, the Pope had already been hospitalized for 38 days with pneumonia in both lungs. In this special episode, Natuza speaks with Gerson Camarotti, commentator for TV Globo and GloboNews, about the life and legacy of the Pope. Author of the book "Secrets of the Conclave", Camarotti recalls how Bergoglio was chosen for the papacy and says what to expect from the next leader of the Catholic Church. Filipe Domingues, doctor in social sciences from the Pontifical Gregorian University and director of the Lay Centre, a residence in Rome for students of Catholic universities, also participates. He tells how the last moments of Pope Francis were.

"Food of the gods." This is the meaning of the scientific name of the cocoa tree, the fruit that serves as the raw material for chocolate. Cocoa has seen its price skyrocket: in December, the value of a ton of cocoa exceeded US$11,800. In two years, the accumulated increase is 185%. The commodity reached its highest value in 50 years. The surge directly impacts the price of Easter eggs, which rose almost 10% above inflation. A rise that is not only felt in the pocket. To produce the chocolate that reaches the shelves, some brands have added more additives and sugar, decreasing the percentage of cocoa in the product. This change alters the taste of the chocolate and has repercussions on consumer health. To explain the various factors that led to the skyrocketing price of cocoa, Alan Severiano talks to Ricardo Gomes, territorial development manager at the Arapyaú Institute, an organization focused on climate and development. Ricardo details the opportunities for Brazilian agribusiness and how the scarcity of the fruit affects the quality of the products. Afterwards, Alan talks to Luciana Monteiro, a food engineer. A chocolate specialist, she explains how consumers can differentiate which products are chocolate and which are not, despite appearing to be.

When the girl Sarah Raíssa was mourned, an aunt of the girl made an appeal: "explain the danger that the internet offers". Sarah, 8 years old, was found unconscious by her grandfather at the beginning of April. Next to her were a cell phone and a deodorant bottle. She was taken to the hospital, but died days later. According to the family, Sarah was a victim of a "challenge" spread on social networks. The "deodorant challenge" consists of inhaling the product for as long as possible. The practice has been reproduced by children and adolescents who record videos for social networks, which reach thousands of views. Sarah's case is not isolated. According to the Dimicuida Institute, Brazil has registered 56 cases of children or adolescents who have died or been seriously injured due to irresponsible challenges spread online since 2014. And this number may be even higher, as many cases may not even come to the attention of authorities. Last week, the Ministry of Justice announced that it plans to launch an application to block children and adolescents from accessing social networks and other content. To explain what is being discussed in the government to protect Brazilian children and adolescents from online dangers, Alan Severiano talks to Lílian Cintra de Melo, Secretary of Digital Rights of the Ministry of Justice. Later, Alan speaks with Gabriela dos Santos Lusquiños, Prosecutor of Childhood and Youth of Rio de Janeiro. Gabriela talks about what types of crime are present in these challenges and who can be held responsible. She also answers about the limit between invasion of privacy and monitoring of children and adolescents on the internet: "social network is the street. There is no security, a place where very serious crimes are committed," she concludes.

Upon returning to the White House for his second term, Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a conspiracy theorist and vaccine skeptic, as health secretary. In late March, the U.S. government announced a restructuring: 10,000 Health Department employees would be cut. The cut isn't limited to employees, but also affects databases, research, and project funding worldwide. It includes dismantling USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the main U.S. government agency responsible for humanitarian project assistance globally. In February, 90% of USAID's contracts funding organizations in over 120 countries, mainly in Africa, were canceled — the case is in court. To discuss how this dismantling affects the United States, but has a domino effect worldwide, Alan Severiano speaks with Denise Garrett, an infectious disease physician and epidemiologist. Denise speaks live from the U.S. and explains the consequences. With over 30 years of public health experience, including two decades at the CDC, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she assesses the risk of a "brain drain" and the effects on the entire world population.