The number of sectoral associations that will sign the manifesto in defense of democracy grows. FecomercioSP and ProGenéricos (manufacturers of generic drugs) decided to join.
“As a representative of some of the most important business sectors for the country’s economy, the entity understands that democratic precepts are non-negotiable, such as the democratic rule of law and the fairness of the electoral process”, says FecomercioSP in a note.
The ANR (association of restaurants, which covers chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Giraffas), has a board meeting this Friday (29), when it intends to address the matter.
Other entities representing the private sector are still evaluating whether they will participate in any of the manifestos calling for respect for the electoral system after Bolsonaro’s latest statements against the polls.
ACSP (commercial association), Abramge (health plans) and Andipa (paper distributors) say they have not received any invitation to endorse any manifest, as have IDV (large retailers), Abrasce (malls), Abit (textiles), Abrafarma ( pharmaceutical retail) and Animaseg (work safety materials industry).
Abifer (railway industry) and Anfavea (automotive) decided not to sign.
Other entities consulted by the SA Panel did not respond, such as Abrabe (a beverage association with members such as Diageo and Heineken) and Abralog (which has names such as Correios, FedEx Express, C&A and Pão de Açúcar).
Last year, all of them signed a document called “The Square is for the Three Powers”, which was organized by Fiesp to show concern with the escalation of institutional tension at the time, but ended up generating noise with Febraban, because Caixa and Banco do Brazil threatened to abandon the federation of banks if it joined.
The president of an entity that does not intend to adhere to any manifesto believes that this year’s climate could sour as it did in 2021. According to him, those who do not sign are afraid of being interpreted as undemocratic. But there is also fear of government retaliation. Bolsonaro has already publicly reacted to the manifestos with irony and said he doesn’t need a “letter” to say he defends democracy.
Joana Cunha with Paulo Ricardo Martins and Gilmara Santos
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
