Lula and the eternal whining of the national industry.

Following a strong campaign by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) for the re-election of Jair Bolsonaro, the organization, as could not be otherwise, accepts the election results and presents proposals to the incoming Lula government.

The document "Industry Proposals for a Stronger Country" lists a harmonious set of long-term strategic objectives, with proposals to support the actions of the first 100 days of the next elected government, in the face of the challenges of industrial development. The initiative takes into account the industrial policies and performance of the world's leading economies, which are increasingly active in stimulating investment and ensuring the global competitiveness of their products and technologies.

The industrial sector was responsible for 48% of Brazil's GDP in the 1980s. The sector's expansion resulted from the adoption of public policies that encouraged government and private investment in strategic sectors such as energy, transportation, communications, steel, mining, and oil. These policies were crucial for the growth and consolidation of Brazil's industrial base, which is currently among the most modern and diversified in the world.

But why did the industry support the Bolsonaro government so much?

Economy Minister Paulo Guedes, Bolsonaro's "Posto Ipiranga" (a reference to his perceived role as Bolsonaro's economic advisor), early in the government, set the tone for what he envisions for the country's industrial policy. According to him, Brazil has an agricultural vocation, is merely a producer and exporter of commodities, and lacks any industrial potential.

The statement did not cause the outrage we expected. On the contrary, our factory managers seem to have resigned themselves to it. So much so that they watched their productivity figures and profits fall without any reaction.

This year alone, over the past 12 months, the sector has shown a negative percentage of -2,8%!

The industrial sector is performing 1,5% below pre-pandemic levels, from February 2020, and 18% below the record level reached in May 2011, during Dilma's first term, which the CNI (National Confederation of Industry) considers disastrous.

During the Bolsonaro administration, we saw important industries leave the country, generating thousands of unemployed people.

According to the Unified Workers' Central (CUT), numerous companies such as Ford, Sony, Roche, Eli Lilly, Nike, Fnac, Nikon, Brasil Kirin, Häagen-Dazs, RR Donnelley, Lush Cosmetics, and Kiehl's have withdrawn from Brazil, without a single measure being taken by the Brazilian government to try to keep them. Mercedes-Benz also closed its light vehicle manufacturing plant.

It's important to remember that when a car manufacturer the size of Ford ceases operations, an entire supply chain is greatly impacted, generating thousands of job losses.

Could there then be a Stockholm syndrome?

Why support a government that scorns industry and doesn't care about its closure?

Lula's transitional government has faced significant resistance from the market, which demands fiscal responsibility and doesn't care about the millions of people going hungry in the country.

These are rentiers who shudder every time stock market indices fall due to some statement by Lula that doesn't align with their dogmas.

But I ask, when industry grows and the economy is doing well, doesn't the stock market go up?

Have they become accustomed to indices with no basis, no foundation? Virtual numbers that don't reflect any economic growth? A dance of numbers based on nothing real?

The industry, which never bothered to demand measures from Guedes and Bolsonaro that would promote its growth, is now presenting proposals to Lula.

Logically, the president-elect, accustomed to negotiation and conciliation, will not fail to consider the proposals, but, from the outset, he needs to sit down with the CNI (National Confederation of Industry) and tell them the truths that need to be told.

The government is changing, the country will return to growth in the medium term, and a fresh air of hope will permeate all Brazilians, but it is necessary for industry to once again recognize its path and its role in our economy.

Once again, just like in Lula's other two governments, these people will fill their coffers with money, but even so, will they continue with their eternal whining?