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Guardian Cities: Live from São Paulo's occupations Guardian Cities: Live from São Paulo's occupations
(35 minutes later)
Allan de Oliveira, 28, and his partner Cristina Ribeiro, 23, came to Mauá today to interview for a place in a bigger occupation nearby, at the Prestes Maia building. They have been sleeping rough on Marechal Deodor Square for the past month, after de Oliveira lost his job as an administrative assistant and they were evicted.
Allan de Oliveira, 28, and partner Cristina Ribeiro, 23, have just got a place in a São Paulo occupation after a month living on the streets. “It was horrible,” he said. “People look at you like they despise you.” pic.twitter.com/dlSaM1aNVj
“It was horrible. The rain soaks everything, your things get stolen,” de Oliviera said of being homeless. “People look at you like they despise you, as if you are garbage.” Some NGOs did help, Ribeiro added, by giving them clothes.
De Oliveira, who is from São Paulo, has found work as a ju-jitsu teacher in the centre. Ribeiro moved from João Pessoa in Paraíba state to become a model, and has already registered with an agency.
“This is the centre for fashion,” she said.
The São Paulo city government should give empty properties to homeless people, said Natália Almeida, 29, who lives with her husband and three children in the Mauá Occupation.
“Many people on the streets, and many empty buildings. Give the houses to the people. That’s the least they could do.” In many cases, she added, the owners of vacant buildings don’t even pay local taxes, even as they insist on market rents to sell them.
Natália Almeida, 29, who lives in the Mauá Occupation, says São Paulo City gov should give empty properties to homeless people. pic.twitter.com/L3CCznqOrh
Almeida, her daughters Kaillani, 15, and Emanuely, 2, and her son Ryan Gabriel, 9, live on the salary her husband Emanuel, 29, a driver, brings home. Before moving to Mauá nine years ago they lived in a Brazilian tenement called a curtiço, or pensão, and shared a tiny room and a bathroom with many other families.
At Mauá, they pay a “contribution” of $62 a month for a one-room apartment at the bottom of the building, one of the few in the occupation with a bathroom. “I am going to stay here, if God wills,” she said.
Like many of the 1000-odd families living in Mauá, the Almeidas are Evangelical Christians. But that does not mean they plan to vote for Evangelical or conservative candidates in next year’s presidential elections.
“I would vote for Lula,” she said. “In our house we are all Workers’ Party.”
I visited the antiga Casa da Moeda (“House of Coins”) – an old mint, as you can tell from the facade. It was occupied at the end of October in a spate of nine occupations of buildings in the city centre.
The other eight have since been disbanded by police operations, using gas bombs and bats.
20 people left occupying the antiga Casa da Moeda - “old Coin House”. They’re busy constructing tents at the weekend so more can join #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/u2uwlki7Yh
The mint is the only one that survives today, with 40 families living there.
João Batista, 33, is one resident. He was living at Avenida São João 601 when it was disbanded last month, and was briefly imprisoned as a result of the police operation.
“It wasn’t us who damaged public space, it was the police when they tore down the doors to enter,” he says.
João Batista, 33, was in one of 9 occupations that was taken down last month and was imprisoned for a day and night. He tells me he was done for “theft”, “forming a gang” and “damage of public patrimony”. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/lLIeuNmqSR
One of the pieces I’m most looking forward to reading this week is Jon Watts’ report on retiling the Copan: one of the largest and most iconic buildings in Brazil.One of the pieces I’m most looking forward to reading this week is Jon Watts’ report on retiling the Copan: one of the largest and most iconic buildings in Brazil.
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it is often likened to a city within a city.Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it is often likened to a city within a city.
Ah Sampa! The view from the rooftop of the Copan, where magical things happen. pic.twitter.com/zFSTTbZqZmAh Sampa! The view from the rooftop of the Copan, where magical things happen. pic.twitter.com/zFSTTbZqZm
Hard to dispute that Copan beyond trendy. As well as being stylishly designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it has its own postcode. Not just for rich either. Truly, a city within a city in centre of São Paulo. #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/Ao5BRyGmvrHard to dispute that Copan beyond trendy. As well as being stylishly designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it has its own postcode. Not just for rich either. Truly, a city within a city in centre of São Paulo. #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/Ao5BRyGmvr
"Copan is the coolest building in Latin America" according to magician Giovanni Bright who performs a trick to prove it. #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/UXzbGAfkOL"Copan is the coolest building in Latin America" according to magician Giovanni Bright who performs a trick to prove it. #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/UXzbGAfkOL
João Bento de Lima, 60, has lived in the Mauá Occupation since it began ten years ago. The community had been braced for eviction last week, before the city government announced it was buying the building and they could stay.João Bento de Lima, 60, has lived in the Mauá Occupation since it began ten years ago. The community had been braced for eviction last week, before the city government announced it was buying the building and they could stay.
“I can tell you it was the beauty of God and the struggle of the people who work here,” he says.“I can tell you it was the beauty of God and the struggle of the people who work here,” he says.
João Bento de Lima, 60, at Mauá Occupation in São Paulo. Brazilians know very little about UK, he said. “They mostly talk about the queen, and about Brazilian soccer players (there),” he said. “But I’m sure it is wonderful.” pic.twitter.com/6ZsU8uG5HrJoão Bento de Lima, 60, at Mauá Occupation in São Paulo. Brazilians know very little about UK, he said. “They mostly talk about the queen, and about Brazilian soccer players (there),” he said. “But I’m sure it is wonderful.” pic.twitter.com/6ZsU8uG5Hr
De Lima was born in Natal in Rio Grande do Norte state in the north-east of Brazil, traditionally one of the country’s poorest regions. While working in a furniture factory there, he heard that the construction company building São Paulo’s international airport was hiring.De Lima was born in Natal in Rio Grande do Norte state in the north-east of Brazil, traditionally one of the country’s poorest regions. While working in a furniture factory there, he heard that the construction company building São Paulo’s international airport was hiring.
He moved to the city and got the job. De Lima went on to help build the São Paulo metro; today he works as a doorman. “I got used to São Paulo, and I stayed,” he says.He moved to the city and got the job. De Lima went on to help build the São Paulo metro; today he works as a doorman. “I got used to São Paulo, and I stayed,” he says.
De Lima had met an American once before, but he had never before spoken with someone from the UK – or, as it is known in Brazil, Inglaterra (apologies to Scotland, Ireland and Wales).De Lima had met an American once before, but he had never before spoken with someone from the UK – or, as it is known in Brazil, Inglaterra (apologies to Scotland, Ireland and Wales).
Adenor Bacchi, the Brazilian soccer coach best known as Tite, had recently praised England in a television interview, he notes.Adenor Bacchi, the Brazilian soccer coach best known as Tite, had recently praised England in a television interview, he notes.
Every morning from 1am to 7am, millions of garments change hands at a secretive “dawn market” in downtown São Paulo – the largest informal market in Latin America.Every morning from 1am to 7am, millions of garments change hands at a secretive “dawn market” in downtown São Paulo – the largest informal market in Latin America.
Behind the racks of thousands of Minnie Mouse and Calvin Klein t-shirts, we found an underworld of sweatshops, where immigrants toil away in conditions akin to slavery and a local mafia profits from the use of public space.Behind the racks of thousands of Minnie Mouse and Calvin Klein t-shirts, we found an underworld of sweatshops, where immigrants toil away in conditions akin to slavery and a local mafia profits from the use of public space.
We met 18-year-old Leidi Laura, sporting stylish eyeliner, taking a nap on a pile of tank tops at 2am. Does the feirinha wear her out? “It’s not bad,” she said, “better than hiding behind a sewing machine.”We met 18-year-old Leidi Laura, sporting stylish eyeliner, taking a nap on a pile of tank tops at 2am. Does the feirinha wear her out? “It’s not bad,” she said, “better than hiding behind a sewing machine.”
Leidi was especially happy about her recent promotion to the “sales department” of the family’s small venture.Leidi was especially happy about her recent promotion to the “sales department” of the family’s small venture.
Repórter Brasil’s investigation into conditions at the market will run later this week.Repórter Brasil’s investigation into conditions at the market will run later this week.
Earlier this afternoon Jon Watts and Dom Phillips met with São Paulo’s mayor, João Doria. Their wide-ranging interview will appear in stories still to come this week, but they tweeted some highlights below.Earlier this afternoon Jon Watts and Dom Phillips met with São Paulo’s mayor, João Doria. Their wide-ranging interview will appear in stories still to come this week, but they tweeted some highlights below.
2 years after drought crisis in São Paulo, Mayor João Doria recognises link between Amazon and city water supply. "We need to preserve rainforest to preserve cycle of rain in southeast Brazil," he tells me and @domphillips #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/0ZwYwCGWxI2 years after drought crisis in São Paulo, Mayor João Doria recognises link between Amazon and city water supply. "We need to preserve rainforest to preserve cycle of rain in southeast Brazil," he tells me and @domphillips #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/0ZwYwCGWxI
São Paulo Mayor João Doria tells Guardian that building occupations "are not part of the (housing shortage) solution, nor part of the problem, they are part of the reality." Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/cSohTee9tHSão Paulo Mayor João Doria tells Guardian that building occupations "are not part of the (housing shortage) solution, nor part of the problem, they are part of the reality." Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/cSohTee9tH
Doria told Jon and Dom that there had been no cuts to education spending – which raised Dom’s eyebrows at least. You’ll find out why in his forthcoming feature.Doria told Jon and Dom that there had been no cuts to education spending – which raised Dom’s eyebrows at least. You’ll find out why in his forthcoming feature.
São Paulo mayor João Doria tells Guardian there have been no cuts to education spending. Really? See my story tomorrow. #GuardianSaoPauloSão Paulo mayor João Doria tells Guardian there have been no cuts to education spending. Really? See my story tomorrow. #GuardianSaoPaulo
But one topline for now?But one topline for now?
Doria has refused to rule out running for president next year. Brazil needs a centrist candidate, he told the Guardian.Doria has refused to rule out running for president next year. Brazil needs a centrist candidate, he told the Guardian.
São Paulo Mayor João Doria refuses to rule out a 2018 presidential bid. In Guardian interview, he says Brazil needs a candidate from the centre. Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/GncbhWOzqfSão Paulo Mayor João Doria refuses to rule out a 2018 presidential bid. In Guardian interview, he says Brazil needs a candidate from the centre. Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/GncbhWOzqf
Many of our roving reporters are apparently caught in traffic jams, compounded by sudden rainfall – not for nothing is São Paulo known as the city of drizzle.Many of our roving reporters are apparently caught in traffic jams, compounded by sudden rainfall – not for nothing is São Paulo known as the city of drizzle.
São Paulo's famous Minhocão highway, just as a heavy cloud of rain descends on the city. Photo by Andre Lucas #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/OjN4gJloohSão Paulo's famous Minhocão highway, just as a heavy cloud of rain descends on the city. Photo by Andre Lucas #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/OjN4gJlooh
It seems an opportune moment to hear from some of our readers.It seems an opportune moment to hear from some of our readers.
Cracolândia has, unsurprisingly, proved especially shocking to readers outside of Brazil, with The Wire’s Hamsterdam proving a crude frame of reference for those of us who can’t begin to comprehend what life may be like in this community.Cracolândia has, unsurprisingly, proved especially shocking to readers outside of Brazil, with The Wire’s Hamsterdam proving a crude frame of reference for those of us who can’t begin to comprehend what life may be like in this community.
A reader, Marcelo, shared this paulistano perspective on Twitter.A reader, Marcelo, shared this paulistano perspective on Twitter.
#GuardianSaoPauloCracolândia is a sureal place even to us. But it can also be seen as a signal of our openness to the less advantaged who need drugs to face the difficulties of life. Brazil hasn't legalize drugs as Canada, Uruguay or Portugal, but at least we tolerate it there#GuardianSaoPauloCracolândia is a sureal place even to us. But it can also be seen as a signal of our openness to the less advantaged who need drugs to face the difficulties of life. Brazil hasn't legalize drugs as Canada, Uruguay or Portugal, but at least we tolerate it there
Guardian reader Istvan singled out the final paragraph of Sam Cowie’s report.Guardian reader Istvan singled out the final paragraph of Sam Cowie’s report.
the last point here is so touching . heartbreaking , if you think about it : ..."....Crackland's main appeal is its community feel ----we are like a family of the excluded"the last point here is so touching . heartbreaking , if you think about it : ..."....Crackland's main appeal is its community feel ----we are like a family of the excluded"
Beneath this blog, another reader remarked on the spirit of camaraderie apparent in the occupations.Beneath this blog, another reader remarked on the spirit of camaraderie apparent in the occupations.
The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.
And yet many in the UK who have access to decent housing, healthcare and education do absolutely nothing to help anyone.And yet many in the UK who have access to decent housing, healthcare and education do absolutely nothing to help anyone.
Marcelo’s follow-up point also seemed pertinent:Marcelo’s follow-up point also seemed pertinent:
#GuardianSaoPauloThis city never, ever, stops.#GuardianSaoPauloThis city never, ever, stops.
Let us know what you think of our coverage so far in the comments; by using the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo, or emailing saopaulo.week@theguardian.com.Let us know what you think of our coverage so far in the comments; by using the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo, or emailing saopaulo.week@theguardian.com.
There are two occupations in Avenida São João: buildings number 288, and 588. Ana Terra Athayde is there this afternoon, talking to residents and coordinators.There are two occupations in Avenida São João: buildings number 288, and 588. Ana Terra Athayde is there this afternoon, talking to residents and coordinators.
588 is the former Columbia Palace Hotel. It had been closed for 27 years when it was occupied in October 2010. Today 81 families live there – 225 residents total, including 38 children. Here are some of their portraits.588 is the former Columbia Palace Hotel. It had been closed for 27 years when it was occupied in October 2010. Today 81 families live there – 225 residents total, including 38 children. Here are some of their portraits.
There are 225 people living in the São João 588 occupation in São Paulo. Here are some of them: pic.twitter.com/L1p6kkECo9There are 225 people living in the São João 588 occupation in São Paulo. Here are some of them: pic.twitter.com/L1p6kkECo9
The Columbia Palace Hotel occupation is known for its lively schedule of cultural activities, organised by and for its tight-knit community. It hosts capoeira, theatre, language classes and movie nights for its residents – there’s even a library.The Columbia Palace Hotel occupation is known for its lively schedule of cultural activities, organised by and for its tight-knit community. It hosts capoeira, theatre, language classes and movie nights for its residents – there’s even a library.
This building, previously known as the Columbia Palace Hotel, is now the home of 225 people. The families occupied it in 2010, renovated the abandoned rooms and built a cultural center, which hosts activities such as capoeira and French classes. Mildo Ferreira [last photo] has been here since 2011. A social worker and former piano teacher, he says that there are many artists living in this tight-knit community. #onassignment #GuardianSaoPauloThis building, previously known as the Columbia Palace Hotel, is now the home of 225 people. The families occupied it in 2010, renovated the abandoned rooms and built a cultural center, which hosts activities such as capoeira and French classes. Mildo Ferreira [last photo] has been here since 2011. A social worker and former piano teacher, he says that there are many artists living in this tight-knit community. #onassignment #GuardianSaoPaulo
A post shared by Ana Terra Athayde (@anaterrathayde) on Nov 27, 2017 at 8:29am PSTA post shared by Ana Terra Athayde (@anaterrathayde) on Nov 27, 2017 at 8:29am PST
91-year-old Elca Cartum has lived with the constant roar and pollution of the Minhocao a few metres from her living room window for 32 years #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/NvlqbmN8oB91-year-old Elca Cartum has lived with the constant roar and pollution of the Minhocao a few metres from her living room window for 32 years #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/NvlqbmN8oB
“I remember when our street had trees on it. It was so nice,” 91-year-old Elca Cartum told me as she sat in her living room, metres away from the incessant stream of cars and trucks on the elevated highway which passes right outside her window.“I remember when our street had trees on it. It was so nice,” 91-year-old Elca Cartum told me as she sat in her living room, metres away from the incessant stream of cars and trucks on the elevated highway which passes right outside her window.
In the late 1960s Brazil’s military dictatorship decided São Paulo needed an elevated highway to help link the east and west of the city. So began the largest infrastructure project in South America at the time, and the result was the Elevado Presidente Costa e Silva, named after a key figure in the military government. It has since been renamed, but everyone knows it as the Minhocão – after a giant mythical worm which roams the forests of South and Central America.In the late 1960s Brazil’s military dictatorship decided São Paulo needed an elevated highway to help link the east and west of the city. So began the largest infrastructure project in South America at the time, and the result was the Elevado Presidente Costa e Silva, named after a key figure in the military government. It has since been renamed, but everyone knows it as the Minhocão – after a giant mythical worm which roams the forests of South and Central America.
“As soon as they built it many of our neighbours moved away,” Elca recalls, but her husband wanted to stay near his dental surgery downtown, and the children were settled at school. “Once most of them had left it was too late for us. The price had fallen too far and we couldn’t make up the difference if we moved anywhere else. It was a sad time.”“As soon as they built it many of our neighbours moved away,” Elca recalls, but her husband wanted to stay near his dental surgery downtown, and the children were settled at school. “Once most of them had left it was too late for us. The price had fallen too far and we couldn’t make up the difference if we moved anywhere else. It was a sad time.”
But on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and weeknights, the highway is closed to cars and the residents take over. People skate, run, ride bikes, play football … Another kind of occupation by the people of São Paulo.But on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and weeknights, the highway is closed to cars and the residents take over. People skate, run, ride bikes, play football … Another kind of occupation by the people of São Paulo.
Irene Guimarães, who hosted us at Occupation Esperança, told us that the community is led by women – first out of necessity, as men worked during the day, and then because of the strength of their relationships. This video was again shot by Ana Terra Athayde.Irene Guimarães, who hosted us at Occupation Esperança, told us that the community is led by women – first out of necessity, as men worked during the day, and then because of the strength of their relationships. This video was again shot by Ana Terra Athayde.
Praça Roosevelt, a square boxed in by high-rise apartments in downtown São Paulo, was a hub of quiet activity on Saturday afternoon. Dog walkers, skateboarders and students sheltered from the 30C heat, and dotted along the perimeter, pairs of people sat facing each other in striped beach chairs, deep in conversation. Prominently displayed on an easel, a sign read “ATENDIMENTO: Publico. Individual. Gratuito.”
For four hours every Saturday, about 10 psychotherapists volunteer to provide free analysis for São Paulo residents. Between them, they see about 30 people each week, such as Djanira Carvalho, who came on the recommendation of her yoga teacher. She had seen a therapist for 20 years, but was now looking for different support. “I’m going through a moment in my life where I need help.”
Adriana Marino, a psychotherapist, said many people who sought the services of the Clínica Aberta (“Open Clinic”) had seen private practitioners in the past, but could no longer afford to do so. “Psychoanalysis shouldn’t be exclusively available to people who can afford treatment,” she said.
High rates of unemployment in São Paulo seemed of particular cause for concern, she said, as well as political upheaval in Brazil. “Psychoanalysis has something to do about this. I think it’s a way that we can hear the impact of this sociopolitical context.”
Elle Hunt and Anna Sophie Gross spent the morning in Cracolândia, an occupation of a different kind. This is an open-air drugs market where hundreds of people live, buy and smoke crack.
People this morning are lighting up and smoking fresh pipes, likely handed out by health workers to mitigate the dangers of pipe sharing.
No one seems to care that they can be seen by passers-by and police.
Although most are men, we can also see young children and women in the heart of the “flux” – the tented area where addicts buy from dealers.
That's Cracolândia: a block given over to crack addicts, watched over by civil and military police and public health professionals. We can't film any closer, but from this vantage point you can clearly see how defined the area is https://t.co/DP6rvJz4Tq #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/xsijjbzWWP
Public officials wearing blue and green jackets mill around the periphery, offering health and documentation support.
It’s too dangerous to film from close, so we climbed to the top of the Culture Ministry building and filmed from the clock tower, which offers amazing views of the whole region.
Views from up high of Cracolandia - the open air drugs fair #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/bX0i387jWB
Read Sam Cowie’s exclusive report on Crackland’s incredible imperviousness here:
Last night hundreds of tents were damaged and paths turned to mud as São Paulo’s biggest land occupation was battered by some of the heaviest rains of the year.
Residents of the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) camp in São Bernardo do Campos district said, however, that soaked bedding and dirty shoes were relatively minor problems compared to the hardship of living on the streets and the prejudice they have faced from neighbours – some of whom have shot down at them from nearby tower blocks.
One man was hit in the arm and another grazed on the leg by bullets a couple of months ago, according to organisers from the Homeless Workers Movement.
The incident is a sign of the unease stirred up by the camp of 5,000-10,000 tents that has been erected over the past few months on an empty plot of land owned by a construction company.
“The worst thing about living here is the hostility of the neighbours. The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.
The high number of tents is somewhat misleading. The vast majority are empty placeholders for people who live elsewhere but come to register their support and their desire for better homes.
But there are several hundred permanent residents, many of whom have harrowing personal experience of life on the streets.
Elizabeth Rodrigues lives here with her husband and their 16-month-old daughter after being thrown out of her mother’s home. Their tent is tiny. There is barely enough space for a bed. But she says it is much better than the truck where they used to sleep. “It’s warmer and drier and better for the baby,” she says.
But it is not a proper home, which is what she and the other residents are campaigning for through their occupation of this land.
Guardian Cities is based this week at the offices of Repórter Brasil. Here is chief reporter Ana Aranha:
Repórter Brasil has joined the effort to unearth São Paulo’s hidden stories with the Guardian Cities team, who are using our office as headquarters. Since 2001, our nonprofit has been investigating international supply chains that connect the world consumer market with Brazil’s deep-rooted problems, such as slave labour and the indiscriminate use of pesticides.
In fact, this morning Repórter Brasil is releasing a story on pesticides that are banned in the EU, but largely allowed in our country – the world’s largest herbicide consumer.
Later this week with Guardian Cities we will also publish an expose of the illegal “Night Market” run by slave labour, and a report on how the city’s indigenous community fought back by seizing a TV tower.
And we kick off today with our own Leonardo Sakamoto’s impassioned view on how inequality divides the landscape of the city:
São Paulo is a city of extremes, and the stark differences between the generally wealthier inner core and the poorer periphery are clear in the Map of Inequality 2017 created by Rede Nossa Sao Paulo.
The NGO says not much has changed fundamentally for the city’s 12 million residents since it started collating data for its annual report five years ago.
You can see more maps here on teen pregnancies, favelas and average age of death.
By the way, whether you are in São Paulo or elsewhere, we would love to hear from you – not only about your experiences of the city, but what you think of our reporting. Though we cannot host comments in Portuguese on site, there are several ways you can engage with us in both Portuguese and English:
Use the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo on Twitter and Instagram
Chat to our journalists on Twitter – here’s a list of the core team
Email your thoughts at saopaulo.week@theguardian.com
If you are in São Paulo, come along to our event in the Copan on Thursday – details here
Please get in touch!
Sao Paulo has a thriving newspaper market, and the headlines across the city’s papers today tackle a range of issues.
For many Paulistas, the biggest news of the day (year?) will be that much-loved football team Corinthians lifted the cup of the Brazilian championship yesterday, for the seventh time.
In politics, after much hype last week, TV presenter Luciano Huck announces that he will not run as a presidential candidate next year when Brazil holds general elections.
Elsewhere, in midst of economic recession, Senators increase expenses for private jets, government pushes for controversial pension reform talks, rubbish floats in Sao Paulo periphery reservoirs, armed robbery at shopping mall in city’s East Zone causes panic ... and half of old people have sex, according to a poll.
Folha: SP football club Corinthians lift cup of Brazilian championship, "I will not be a presidential candidate," says TV presenter Huck, government pushes pension reform talks #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/56auZ69cNg
Estadão: senators increase spending on private jets during recession, Corinthians take title, singer Anitta eyes international market #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/rIEFAXcwjn
Agora: Corinthians, shopping mall robbery, rubbish in water reservoirs on periphery #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/6x8k2qGRm5
The No. 1 view of São Paulo – from Occupation Esperança #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/XyRf78nD3h
On the outskirts of São Paulo, about a 40-minute drive from downtown, is Occupation Esperança, an informal settlement of about 500 families.
With grand brick homes neighbouring wooden shacks, it’s still under construction following a major fire last September – a blaze that erupted just as the community was preparing its bid for official government recognition.
Video journalist Ana Terra Athayde filmed this short clip with Irene Guimarães, an activist and leader within the community.
Welcome to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in the São Bernardo district of São Paulo.
Morning downpour brings mud & floods to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in São Bernardo district of São Paulo. 8,000 families affiliated to the MTST (Homeless Workers Movement) have tents here, though only a few hundred reside full time. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/yfMr1wx8Sp
In a field abutting a row of skyscrapers are thousands of tents owned by people affiliated to the MTST (Landless Workers Movement). Life here is never easy, but it’s particularly tough in heavy rain – although the clouds are clearing now.
Now the clouds have finally cleared a quick video report from the Homeless Workers Movement land occupation in São Bernardo do Campo. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/aQEalycwpR
Bom dia, Paulistanos! Tudo bem?
Guardian Cities is live in the great megacity of South America, reporting all day long from the front lines of what is a truly remarkable phenomenon: São Paulo’s hundreds of occupations.
These acts of resistance take many forms: working folk who take up residence in vacant office towers to be closer to their jobs; homeless people living in makeshifts huts on public land; and militant housing activists reclaiming unused territory while inviting rock stars and politicians to address their thousands of followers.
Our correspondent Jonathan Watts is visiting what is perhaps the most impressive occupation of all: the awe-inspiring, 8,000-strong “Tent City” of Sem Medo, where Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso and firebrand leftist former president Lula have made appearances – and where it is has been pouring down rain all morning...