Brazilian major cities set on fire - part 1

understanding the June, 2013 riots

by Ricardo Goldbach (reporting from Rio de Janeiro)

The stunning outburst of violence that raided São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other major Brazilian cities presented two kinds of players. Small groups of hooligans and looters took advantage of the protests of a much larger group, the latter comprising students and workers concerned with the buildup of the corruption that is endemically spread throughout Brazilian political elites -- including the once left winged, now dominant Labor Party.

Photo by Marcelo Carnaval (Agência O Globo)

Brazilian media says that masses negative feelings were ignited by an average R$ 0,20 bus fare raise. But there is something missing here: the public transport business was recently granted some tax exemptions, provided that fares would go cheaper accordingly. However, that compensation didn't see the light and authorities played dead. Nonetheless, the mere fare raise is considered to be the initial movement's flagship, per se.

Besides that, a buildup of several factors lies behind the scenes that led to the social unrest we now see, the first of them being related to the big sporting events Brazil is going to host.

The Fifa World Cup, the Confederations Cup and The Olympics

Since Fifa first disclosed its rules regarding both World Cup and Confederations Cup, it was clear that they were kind of taking Brazil on lease. Among other things, Fifa was firm as for beverage being sold inside Brazilian arenas. National laws established a veto on liquor vending at major sporting venues, an effort to prevent violence among spectators, but Fifa won this round; Brazilian laws were revised as to comply with Fifa sponsors' needs (here, here, here, here and here). On a shameful move, federal government let to each involved city the task of handling the issue, on a local basis.

The rules imposed by Fifa established an exclusion zone of 100m radius around places holding official Fifa events, which extends to 2km when it comes to the sporting venues, where the selling of food and beverage of non-official sponsors brands is precluded.

Photo by Tiago Di Araujo (redebahia.com.br)

Most surprisingly, "baianas" (women named after Bahia state), who sell a typical dish known as "acarajé", both on streets and at sporting venues, were forbidden to run their business inside the arenas. As popular outcry was huge, some arrangements took place in order to honor the most valuable tradition of the "baianas" (here and here). But the damage is visible, since Fifa proved able to make way through -- and even against -- Brazilian laws and traditions.

On a side note, few days ago Brazilian president Dilma Roussef was heavily booed when, sided by Fifa president Joseph Blatter, attended the opening of the Fifa Confederations Cup.