Privatizações avançaram com redemocratização

Brazil intensifies privatization of state-owned companies since the end of the military regime in 1985.

With the new government of José Sarney (PMDB), a shift began towards the Programa Nacional de Desestatização (PND) under Fernando Collor (PRN). This move aligned with the 1990s global trend promoting economic openness.

Before this, the military government had increased the state sector due to nationalistic goals. However, during the 1980s, small companies were privatized, totaling approximately US$ 780 million. Collor's plan aimed to privatize 68 companies, but only 18 were finalized, starting with the sale of Usiminas in 1991.

Under Itamar Franco (1992-1994), CSN was sold for US$ 1 billion and Embraer for R$ 265 million by the end of 1994.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso's administration (1995-2002) emphasized privatization in telecommunications, energy, and steel sectors:

• Companhia Vale do Rio Doce sold for US$ 3 billion.
• Privatization of Telebrás raised US$ 19 billion.
• Banespa sold to Banco Santander for R$ 7 billion in 2000.

During Lula’s two mandates (2003-2010), focus shifted to concessions, especially in infrastructure, including:

• Privatization of federal highways, like BR-381.
• Concession of Ferrovia Norte-Sul for R$ 1.4 billion.

Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) maintained the policy through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), investing R$ 133 billion over 25 years.

Under Michel Temer (2016-2018), the focus was on the PPI (Investment Partnerships Program), advancing:

• Privatization of port terminals and regional airports.
• Sale of Petrobras assets.

During Jair Bolsonaro's term (2019-2022), privatization continued with major sales, including:

• Completion of BR Distribuidora.
• Privatization of Eletrobras.

Poder360 presents a special series on the 40 years of democracy in Brazil.

Explore the interviews from the special series below: