Panel SA: Business associations split over support for manifesto for democracy

Despite the positioning of Febraban and Fiesp that decided to sign a manifesto in defense of democracy after Bolsonaro’s recent attacks on the polls, other entities representing various sectors are still divided and do not have a definition on the subject.

Abimo (Brazilian Association of the Medical Devices Industry) says it will sign. Anfavea (automotive sector) and CBIC (construction) say no. FecomercioSP also has no sign that it will sign.

The matter is still handled with caution.

SindusConSP states that it will be up to the associated entrepreneurs, individually, to decide to subscribe to manifestos. “SindusConSP, as a representative entity of civil construction companies in São Paulo, does not speak out on issues of a political nature”, says Odair Senra, president of the entity.

A number of other associations representing the private sector still claim that they have not been called to support any manifesto on the matter.

Humberto Barbato, president of Abinee (electrical and electronics industry), says he has not received any text. “If I receive it, I will consult the board for a decision,” he says.

Glauco Humai, president of Abrasce (which brings together large shopping malls), and Fernando Pimentel, president of Abit (textile and clothing industry), also say that they were not sought after, as were Abrafarma (pharmaceutical retail) and Animaseg (industry of safety material and work protection).

The IDV says it has no requests in this regard yet. If it enters, they will have to analyze it in the council.

The SA Panel consulted other entities, such as PróGenéricos (manufacturers of generic drugs) and Abimaq (machine equipment), which did not comment. In September of last year, they signed the manifesto “A Praça é dos Três Poderes”, a document organized by Fiesp to show concern with the escalation in institutional tension of the occasion. It was a diffuse message, which did not point the finger at a specific Power, but at all simultaneously. The text was released on September 10, after President Bolsonaro used the holiday stage to make coup statements and attack the STF (Supreme Federal Court).

At the time, Caixa and Banco do Brasil threatened to leave Febraban if the federation of banks adhered to the text. Pedro Guimarães, who is now out of Caixa because of allegations of sexual harassment, was one of the main organizers of the arrival.

Last week, Fiesp included in the document of the sector’s proposals for candidates for the next government the message that “democratic stability and respect for the rule of law are indispensable conditions for Brazil to overcome its main challenges”.

The gesture was poorly received among some members of the rank and file concerned not to anger Bolsonaro.

Joana Cunha with Paulo Ricardo Martins and Gilmara Santos