Most entrepreneurs (82%) strongly agree that, despite having some problems, democracy is preferable to any other form of government, according to a survey carried out by Fundação Tide Setubal and Instituto Sivis.
The data also show that 98% of respondents believe that it is important to have free and fair elections in Brazil for them and their businesses to prosper.
The study interviewed 417 Brazilian businessmen between May 20 and July 8. The sampling used followed the proportion of three key variables for characterizing the companies: region of the country (Southeast, South, Northeast and Midwest and North), sector (service, commerce and industry) and size (small, medium and large) .
Although it was made before the publication of manifestos in favor of democracy, which have the support of private sector leaders and business entities, the data reinforces a change in the group’s attitude, evaluates Mariana Almeida, superintendent of the Tide Setubal Foundation.
“There is a manifestation of the business community, which is not the norm. The fact of having done the research a little earlier is interesting to see that this was already being gestated. When an extreme case comes, like that of the ambassadors, this feeling of social co-responsibility”, says Almeida, referring to the event in which President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) attacked the polls in front of an audience of foreign representatives.
The sample also pointed out that 82.5% of businessmen agreed (in whole or in part) that “no one should be subjected to torture, regardless of the circumstances”.
Although most respondents prefer democracy to any other form of government, when asked about the propensity to relativize the regime in critical situations, the scenario is different.
Asked if in a crisis situation it would be justifiable for the President of the Republic to close down Congress and govern alone, 55% say they totally disagree with the attitude. Already 32% say they agree partially or totally with the attitude.
Asked which goal should be a priority in the coming years, a third see protecting freedom of expression as a priority (33.8%) — fighting inflation comes in second (30%).
The survey also showed that 81.5% of businessmen totally or partially agree that they are also responsible for working to solve the country’s social problems.
The articulation of businessmen around documents in defense of democracy and the rule of law has been bothering Bolsonaro. Last week, the president canceled his participation in a debate at Fiesp and a dinner with businessmen scheduled for August 11, the same date on which the manifestos will be read at an event at the USP Law School.
According to Sheet found, the fear of image erosion was the main motivator for giving up.
In an attempt to get closer, the president participated in a lunch this Monday at Febraban (entity that represents Brazilian banks). In his speech, Bolsonaro again attacked the manifestos, which he classified as a “letter”, and said he would not sign the text.
Addressing bankers, the president said: “You have to look me in the face, see my actions, and judge me around.” “I’m not going to sign a letter,” he added.
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