BBC World Questions Comes To São Paulo

The debate comes at a crucial time for the country. Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing former army officer, has been elected as Brazil’s next president after a dramatic and divisive election that looks set to radically alter the future of the world’s fourth biggest democracy. Mr Bolsonaro, who built his campaign around pledges to crush corruption and crime, has pledged to change the destiny of Brazil. But which direction will he take the country in? And can he deliver on his promises to restore traditional values, reform the economy and reduce crime?

Chairing the debate at the Brazilian British Centre in São Paulo, the BBC’s Jonny Dymond will be joined by a panel of leading politicians and thinkers who will be debating questions from the audience. The panel will include:

• Luiz Philippe - Federal Deputy for São Paulo for the Social Liberal Party
• Margarida Salomao - Member of Chamber of Deputies for the PT (Workers') party
• Mercia Silva - director of anti-slavery organisation Inpacto
• Fernando Schuler - Professor of Political Science at Insper University

Mary Hockaday, Controller, BBC World Service English, says: "We are thrilled to bring our debate programme to São Paulo - it’s a truly fascinating time in Brazil’s history and we’re eager to hear what topics people want to raise. International debate is at the heart of the BBC World Service, and this is a chance for people to put their questions directly to the panel in a discussion that will then be heard around the world.”

Martin Dowle, British Council Country Director, Brazil, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BBC World Service to bring World Questions to São Paulo. In an age of global turbulence the ability of broadcasters and audiences worldwide to hold their politicians and commentators to account is a fundamental part of free speech and functioning democratic institutions. I look forward to a fascinating and no doubt lively debate.”

BBC World Questions is an English language event, created in partnership with the British Council and will be recorded for radio broadcast worldwide.

BBC World Questions will be recorded in English on 4 December at the Brazilian British Centre from 19.00. 

BBC World Questions: Sao Paulo will air on BBC World Service English on Saturday December 8th at 1700-1800 local time in Brazil and available online after that at www.bbc.com/worldserviceradio

The BBC World Service is holding a series of debates across the world led entirely by questions from the audience. BBC World Questions - an international series of English language events created with the British Council - allows the public to question politicians, leaders and opinion formers directly, face to face.

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