🇧🇷 Brazil Episodes

Since last Thursday's announcement of changes to the IOF (Tax on Financial Operations), financial market and productive sector agents have been united in their efforts to block the tax rate increase. In Congress, there are already 19 proposals to overturn the federal government's decree. The economic team announced the measure to increase revenue, balance public accounts, and meet this year's fiscal framework target. However, the IOF increase was so poorly received that a partial retreat occurred on the same day as the announcement: the rate for domestic fund investments abroad was removed from the text, but the increase in foreign currency transactions, such as purchasing dollars for travel, was maintained. To explain what the IOF is, what changes in practice, and what motivated the strong reaction from economic agents, Natuza Nery interviews Bernardo Guimarães, PhD in Economics from Yale University and professor at FGV-SP. Natuza also speaks with Gerson Camarotti, commentator for Globo and GloboNews and columnist for g1. He reveals the behind-the-scenes of the measure's announcement and subsequent retreat, as well as the battles between factions within the government and the economic team itself.

STF minister Alexandre de Moraes accepted a request from the Attorney General to open an investigation against licensed congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) for evidence of coercion and obstruction of investigations. In the request, Attorney General Paulo Gonet alleges that Eduardo is acting to hinder the January 8th investigations. The PGR cited posts and interviews of Eduardo Bolsonaro and stated that the licensed congressman is trying to get the government of Donald Trump to impose sanctions on members of the Supreme Court. Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was questioned by a Republican congressman if the US is considering sanctions against STF minister Alexandre de Moraes. Rubio was direct: "there is a high possibility that it will happen". In this episode, Natuza Nery receives journalist Malu Gaspar, columnist for the newspaper O Globo, and political scientist Guilherme Casarões, professor at FGV-SP and researcher at the Extreme Right Observatory. Malu Gaspar recalls the arguments used by Eduardo Bolsonaro to request leave from office and go to the USA, where he has been since February. She tells what Eduardo's speeches raised the alert at the PGR, the reaction of the Supreme Court ministers and the political consequences of the investigation. Afterwards, Guilherme Casarões answers what the repercussions of the case are for the relationship between Brazil and the USA. Casarões analyzes the political weight of applying sanctions to authorities from another country. He states that "the US cannot, in theory, claim that a decision taken by the Brazilian Supreme Court is right or wrong".

The Chamber may analyze this week the Bill that loosens the rules for environmental licensing. Last Wednesday (21), the Senate approved the text with a large majority: 54 senators voted in favor; only 13 voted against. Criticized by environmentalists and the Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva, it was nicknamed "Devastation Bill". The project's defenders, such as Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, see it as an opportunity to unlock works. The project facilitates the release of environmental licenses for ventures with potential impact on the environment (such as overpasses, bridges, hydroelectric plants, tailings dams, for example); waives the license for works and activities such as traditional agriculture and small-scale livestock; and creates the License by Adhesion and Commitment (LAC), a type of automatic licensing by self-declaration. To explain how a project that has been in progress for over 20 years gained urgency in Congress, Natuza Nery talks to Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the Climate Observatory. Astrini comments on the political context of the vote in the Senate and warns about the environmental impacts that may reflect on the entire society – and how this affects the country's image on the eve of COP30, which takes place in November, in Belém.

Dois funcionários da embaixada israelense foram mortos a tiros em Washington, quarta-feira. Sarah Milgram e Yaron Lischinsky foram baleados perto do Museu Judaico de Washington por Elias Rodríguez. O atirador foi preso. O governo dos EUA classificou o caso como antissemitismo. Líderes mundiais repudiaram o crime, afirmando ser antissemitismo. Michel Gherman explica o antissemitismo. Ele é professor da UFRJ e pesquisador da Universidade Hebraica de Jerusalém, relembrando perseguições históricas a judeus. Gherman explica a diferença entre antissemitismo e antisionismo, e os riscos da guerra Israel-Hamas intensificarem atos contra judeus.

In 2022, a man with Brazilian documents tried to get an internship at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Dutch intelligence blocked his entry, Victor Muller Ferreira was extradited and sent back to Brazil, where he remains imprisoned. Victor is actually Sergey Cherkasov. He and at least eight other Russian secret agents used Brazil to "launder" their identities and, in the eyes of the world, be considered Brazilian. The story of Sergey Cherkasov has been closely followed for over three years by journalist Álvaro Pereira Jr, guest of Natuza Nery in this episode. Special reporter for Fantástico, Álvaro recalls how Victor and other Russians posed as Brazilians while acting as secret agents for Vladimir Putin. This Wednesday (21), the American newspaper The New York Times exposed how Brazil became a "factory of spies" for the Moscow government. Álvaro recounts behind-the-scenes details of how he found the documents used by Putin's spies, and how one of them even took forró lessons to avoid raising suspicions about his Brazilianness. He details the meticulous work of the Federal Police to dismantle this "hotbed" of spies. And he concludes how the invasion of Ukraine by Putin's army boosted investigations that found Russian spies worldwide.

After two and a half months, about 100 trucks with supplies arrived in the Gaza Strip this Tuesday (20). The unblocking of humanitarian aid was done on the same day that the European Union and the United Kingdom increased international pressure for Israel to allow aid to Gaza. For Israel, the blockades serve as a way to force Hamas to release the hostages who have been under the terrorist group's power since the attacks of October 7, 2023. The situation in Gaza is so critical that it led the UN to warn that 14,000 babies could die in 48 hours if aid did not arrive. After international pressure and the UN appeal, about 100 trucks with humanitarian aid entered the territory. "They are attacking us with hunger, with thirst," reports the Palestinian Assmaa Abo Eldijian in conversation with Natuza Nery in this episode. Born in the United Arab Emirates, Assmaa lived in Brazil from the age of 4 to 20. Living in Gaza since 2006, where she married and lives with her children, the Palestinian tells how it is to deal with the conflict that has lasted almost 600 days and has already left more than 50,000 dead. Natuza also speaks with João Koatz Miragaya, who speaks directly from Israel. Master in History from the University of Tel Aviv, Miragaya responds how the Israeli population sees the war against Hamas at this moment. He recalls how the blockade of humanitarian aid was one of Israel's first responses to the Hamas attack that killed more than 1,400 Israelis. And he concludes how the perception of the Israeli population about the war has changed since the last exchange of hostages, in February.

The world's third-largest poultry producer, Brazil, managed to keep avian flu away from its commercial farms since confirming the virus in a wild bird in 2023. Until, at the end of last week, a case was detected in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. Since then, more than 15 countries and the European Union have closed their markets to Brazilian chicken meat. In circulation since the 1990s, the avian flu virus has never had proven transmission between humans. There is a risk for people who work directly with contaminated animals. Experts say that consuming chicken meat and eggs is safe. These foods should be well cooked before ingestion. This Monday (19th), the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, stated that the country needs 28 days to be considered free of the H5N1 virus again. By Monday night, four other cases were being investigated. In a conversation with Natuza Nery in this episode, economist José Roberto Mendonça de Barros says that the expectation is that the cases will be isolated and will not cause major turbulence in the Brazilian economy. Founder and partner of MB Associados, the economist explains how Brazilian chicken meat and the surveillance system are well regarded worldwide. He says that the Brazilian situation is very different from what is happening in the USA, where more than 150 million birds were slaughtered. And he explains how the drop in exports could make chicken cheaper in the national market. Paula Salati, g1's Agro reporter, also participates in the episode. Paula recalls how the virus had already been circulating in wild birds for two years and recounts the measures taken by producers and the government to contain the H5N1 virus.

The use of biometrics has greatly accelerated and facilitated the lives of many: unlocking cell phones, accessing bank accounts, entering buildings and even stadiums. The technology uses facial features as a kind of "password". An advance that brings benefits, but also risks. Last week, the Federal Police arrested criminals who bypassed a biometrics system to access user accounts on the gov.br platform. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks to Ronaldo Lemos, chief scientist at the Institute of Technology and Society of Rio de Janeiro. Ronaldo explains how each person's face is "sensitive data" and requires a high level of protection, like banking data. He answers in which cases it is possible to refuse the use of one's face to access certain environments. Ronaldo Lemos indicates how to protect oneself and cites good examples of identification use, as is the case in India. With more than 1.4 billion inhabitants, the country created an individual recognition system through the iris of the eyes and fingerprints. Afterwards, the conversation is with Álvaro Massad Martins, executive director of IT By Insight, and coordinator of the MBA in Cybersecurity at FGV. He details how biometrics systems work and gives tips on what to do to protect yourself from possible fraud.

National Day to Combat Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is celebrated next Sunday, May 18th. In Brazil, 13 children and adolescents are victims of some type of sexual, physical, or psychological violence every hour. There are more than 115,000 victims per year, according to the 2025 Violence Atlas, released this week by Ipea and the Brazilian Public Security Forum. In this episode, Natuza Nery listens to the account of one of these victims, the artist Georgia Bergamim. At 34 years old, Georgia had her story told in the documentary 'Despite'. On the Matter, she recalls when she realized she was a victim of her stepfather and how she was silenced by people close to her. "While I was a child, I never felt confident in being able to talk about it," she says, recalling how she "emitted signals" that something was wrong. She talks about how the routine of abuse marked the way she deals with her own body. And she recalls the mechanisms that helped her cope with the trauma. Also participating in the episode is lawyer Luciana Temer, CEO of the Liberta Institute, which works to combat sexual violence against minors. Luciana exposes the existence of an "epidemic of abuse" that may be even greater: according to her, only 11% of cases are reported.

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.