Human Rights Watch criticizes Bolsonaro
International human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch says in a report released Thursday that President Jair Bolsonaro threatens “the pillars of democracy in Brazil by attempting to undermine confidence in the electoral system, freedom of expression, and the independence of the judiciary.”
The document says this year’s elections will test the strength of Brazilian democracy in the face of the authoritarian threats made by Mr. Bolsonaro. The report also says that the right to vote and freedom of expression are at risk in the current administration, and it is necessary that democratic institutions such as the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), and Congress resist Mr. Bolsonaro’s attempts to deny Brazilians the right to elect their representatives.
ViajaNet is on block, sources say
The crisis caused by the pandemic put the travel agency business on the line, a scenario that has favored consolidations. After Flytour and Queensberry were bought by BeFly, sources say that another relevant player in the sector is on the block: ViajaNet, an online tourism agency that reported sales of R$1 billion in 2019.
Among the interested parties are groups linked to tourism, such as BeFly itself, which has shown an appetite for further consolidation, and Despegar, sources say. There are also online marketplaces on the list of potential buyers. The view is that ViajaNet already has strong partnerships for sales with this type of platform and there would be plenty of synergy – Magalu and Mercado Libre are two partner companies also on ViajaNet’s radar.
Cruise lines decide to extend season suspension until February 4
Cruise companies have decided to extend the suspension of the current cruise season in Brazil until February 4th. The information was released this Thursday by Clia Brasil, an arm of the international association that represents groups such as MSC and Costa.
Previously, the season suspension would be in effect until January 21. The sector’s decision to extend the period came after health regulator Anvisa asked the government, on Wednesday, to end the current season definitively because of the new Covid-19 cases.
The sector argues that the decision to extend the suspension aims to continue discussions with the authorities in order to align the necessary measures for the resumption of cruises.
Representatives of the Health and Tourism ministries and of the Chief of Staff Office will meet again in the coming days to discuss the situation of maritime cruises in the country, Tourism minister Gilson Machado Neto told Valor. The date of the meeting has not yet been set.
MSC takes over short-sea shipping company Log-in
The sale of control of Log-in to MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), completed on Thursday, is likely to boost the short-sea shipping company. The entry of the new partner —a global giant in long-haul shipping — opens up several opportunities for joint operations, Log-in’s CEO Marcio Arany said.
However, the executive emphasizes that this is not the complete incorporation of the Brazilian company, which will continue seeking results and expansion goals regardless of its new parent company.
With the public offering of shares held Wednesday, MSC (through its subsidiary SAS Shipping) will now hold 67% of the company’s capital. The shares were priced at R$25. As a result, the total disbursement is expected to reach $316 million.
Source: Valor international