Mauro Mendes warns of Brazil economic risk and analyzes election

Senator-elect Mauro Mendes has criticized the fiscal management of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, warning that Brazil faces a serious risk of economic collapse in the coming years. Speaking at a political gathering in Cuiabá, Mendes argued that increasing federal expenditures and tax exemptions without clear compensation mechanisms are driving deficits and high interest rates.

Mendes characterized the current administration's fiscal policy as a “crime against the country,” asserting that the resulting debt and high interest rates disproportionately affect workers.

Regarding the presidential election, Mendes analyzed the dynamics of the second round, suggesting that victory will depend on mobilizing abstentionist voters rather than converting supporters of Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro. He noted that high levels of political polarization make it unlikely for voters to change their existing allegiances, meaning the election will likely be decided by those who did not vote in the first round.