Brazil's Classe C demands efficient state services

Renato Meirelles, president of Instituto Locomotiva, reports that Brazil's Classe C—representing 53% of the population—is prioritizing government efficiency and reduced bureaucracy over ideological debates regarding the size of the state. In his new book, ‘Brasil da maioria: 25 anos da classe C’, Meirelles notes that this group, characterized by an average household income of approximately R$ 3.5 thousand, has become a central driver of the country's economic and political decisions.

While this demographic experienced rapid socioeconomic advancement over the last three decades, economic deceleration since 2011 has led to a sense of stagnation. The group's priorities have shifted from traditional consumer goods, such as new cars, toward investing in small businesses and seeking autonomy through the gig economy and entrepreneurship. As a major segment of consumers, urban workers, and voters, Classe C demands public services that function effectively and without excessive administrative hurdles.