Why Rio de Janeiro is a ‘wake-up call’ for Brazil, according to The Economist

The Economist published a report on the situation of Rio of Janeiro. The British magazine presented the state as an example of contradiction. On the one hand, tourism breaks records and projects a postcard image. Do another, political and security crises accumulate.

The article, available since April 16, draws parallels between the growth of foreign visitors and internal problems. The publication mentions the advance of factions and militias in areas of the city. The text treats the Rio de Janeiro case as a signal for the rest of the country.

The Economist contrasts booming tourism with political instability

The Rio of Janeiro received 2.1 million foreign tourists in 2025. Esse number reflects the momentum of the so-called Brazil Core. The magazine records the effort to promote the city internationally as a destination for parties and natural beauty.

At the same time, the article highlights governance challenges. The state faces a series of scandals. Políticos locations frequently appear associated with cases of corruption. The publication describes an environment in which parallel power gains space with tolerance on the part of the elite.

The analysis highlights that violence costs Rio around US$2 billion per year. Esse value is equivalent to approximately 1% of the state GDP. The text uses strong images to illustrate the other side of the city.

• Facções control extensive territories in communities
• Milícias acts with influence in different regions
• Corrupção appears linked to parts of public power
• Instituições faces questions about infiltration
• Turismo grows despite the insecurity scenario

Impasse succession leaves state without titular governor

Cláudio Castro resigned as governor on March 23. Tribunal Superior Eleitoral declared his ineligibility for eight years. The decision, taken by 5 votes to 2, refers to abuse of political and economic power in the 2022 elections.

Vice-governor Thiago Pampolha had already left the post in 2025. With the double vacancy, the president of Tribunal of Justiça of Rio, judge Ricardo Couto, took over on an interim basis. Ele has no prior experience in executive management.

Supremo Tribunal Federal analyzes the format of the sequence. Ministros discuss whether the choice of the new governor will take place by direct or indirect election. The trial was suspended on April 9 after a request from Minister Flávio Dino. Não has a set date for resumption.

Cassação from former president of Alerj worsens institutional crisis

Rodrigo Bacellar, former president of Assembleia Legislativa, had his mandate revoked. Ele remains in prison by order of minister Alexandre of Moraes, of the STF. The measure involves suspected leakage of confidential information in an investigation by Polícia Federal.

The case is linked to investigations into TH Joias. Esse former state deputy responds for alleged connections to organized crime. The sequence of dismissals and arrests contributes to the power vacuum in the state.

Condenação in the case Marielle Franco is cited as an example

In February 2026, Supremo Tribunal Federal sentenced brothers Chiquinho and Domingos Brazão to over 76 years in prison. The sentence refers to the murder of councilor Marielle Franco and driver Anderson Gomes, which occurred in 2018.

The Economist mentions the episode to illustrate episodes of recent political violence. The report connects the crime to broader issues of parallel power. The text does not limit the problem to isolated cases.

Armed Violência and institutional tolerance set the scene

The publication covers areas dominated by armed groups. Ela describes an environment in which Estado loses control over parts of the territory. The analysis associates the phenomenon with the systemic infiltration of crime in institutions.

Especialistas and authorities follow the debate on possible interventions in public security. Rio has been living with this pattern for years. The British magazine records the contrast with the tourist recovery narrative.

The article does not propose specific solutions. Ele simply exposes the tension between international image and internal reality. The current political impasse prolongs uncertainty over the state’s command until the end of the term.