Stingy or...

Our Brazilian? per capita income is a fraction of that of developed countries and this has been a reality for decades - centuries in fact. That is why we cannot even call ourselves a developing country..

We have a widespread practice, stemming from a deep-rooted cultural pattern, which unfortunately keeps us in this awckward situation.

Being extremely liberal in spending. The spending I am referring to is all the benefits that are formally authorized and included in the budgets approved by the Judiciary, Exceutive and Legislative powers.

This is exactly what happens in the electricity sector! Two emblematic examples (among many others)

1) "Jabuti" plants, as they were coined, to designate projects that serve the interests of our caste but are not competitive.

2) Subsidies paid to selected sources, even though they are no longer necessary. Being frugal with all costs is a successful practice of countries that have reached the top!

In Brazil, we call this attitude "tough-talking", denoting something despicable, undesirable and even indecent. When will we learn from successful examples?