Economist links Brazil’s stagnation to alliance between middle and upper classes

Economist Alexandre Rands says Brazil’s slow economic growth is linked to an alliance between the middle and upper classes.

He argues that public money and opportunities have often favored these groups, while poor workers have had too little political power.

In his view, weaker public basic education has held back workers’ skills and productivity.

He says lasting growth would require broader access to quality education and changes to policies that protect special interests.