Folha is supposedly very liberal and advocates the extradition of Petrobras, Caixa and Banco do Brasil.

247 – This Sunday, Folha de S.Paulo published a Editorial In which he defends the privatization of Petrobras, Caixa Economica Federal, and Banco do Brasil, companies that play crucial roles in Brazil’s economic and social development. The editorial, which glorifies the privatization program that began in the 1990s, reveals a clear adherence to ultra-liberal ideas, ignoring the dire consequences that such a surrender could have for the country’s future.

Petrobras, which is responsible for a large part of Brazil’s oil and gas production, is a key player in national energy security. Handing it over to the private sector would jeopardize the country’s sovereignty over strategic resources, as well as subordinate national energy policy to the interests of large international corporations, whose priorities certainly do not include the well-being of the Brazilian people.

Caixa Econômica Federal is the main operator of social policies in Brazil. Through Caixa, programs such as Minha Casa Minha Vida are made possible, guaranteeing the right to housing for millions of Brazilians. The institution also plays a vital role in financing infrastructure projects, which are essential for regional development and the reduction of social and economic inequality in the country.

Banco do Brasil, another giant that Folha proposes to privatize, is crucial to agricultural finance, especially for small and medium-sized rural producers. BB is responsible for a large part of rural credit in Brazil, facilitating producers’ access to essential resources to ensure food production, food security and rural job creation.

The defense of privatizing these companies, as proposed in Folha’s editorial, ignores the social function that these institutions perform. It is not just about profit and efficiency, as the São Paulo newspaper seems to suggest, but about the state’s ability to guarantee access to basic services for the entire population, especially the most vulnerable. Selling these companies would significantly increase the cost of these services, making them unavailable to millions of Brazilians.

The argument that previous privatizations have been successful is questionable to say the least. While some have actually led to improvements in some sectors, such as telephone, others have been huge losses, such as electricity, which has suffered from blackouts and exorbitant tariff increases after privatization.

Moreover, Folha argues that the continued control of these companies by the state is driven by political and union interests. This reductionist view ignores the essential role that these state-owned companies play in implementing public policies and promoting economic development in a balanced and equitable manner.

It is crucial that the debate on privatization be conducted in a responsible manner, taking into account all aspects involved, including the social and economic impacts on the population. Handing over Petrobras, Caixa and Banco do Brasil to the private sector ultimately puts at risk the Brazilian state’s ability to ensure the well-being of its citizens.

By advocating this policy of dismantling, Folha de S. Paulo is assuming itself as a defender of extreme liberalism, siding with interests that are not necessarily in the best interests of Brazil. It is essential that society mobilize to protect these companies, which are national assets and essential for our future.