Paraná in the spotlight
Five of the ten most developed cities in the country, according to the IFDM 2023, are in Paraná: Curitiba, Maringá, Toledo, Marechal Cândido Rondon and Francisco Beltrão. Curitiba leads among the capitals, with top marks in employment and income. Governor Ratinho Júnior attributed the good performance to investments in state programs such as Asfalto Novo, Vida Nova and Ilumina Paraná, which contribute to the infrastructure and quality of life in the municipalities.
Development
According to Firjan, 98,3% of Paraná residents live in municipalities with moderate or high development. Paraná has the third highest average index in the country and no city has a critical level. Education, health and income have driven the 23,4% increase in the state's IFDM over the last ten years.
New Pope
Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was elected this Thursday (8) as the new pope of the Catholic Church, adopting the name Leo XIV. With a conciliatory profile, he is known for seeking dialogue between conservative and progressive wings. With a background in Mathematics, Theology and Philosophy, he has French, Spanish and Italian ancestry.
Next election
With one year to go until the deadline for disqualification, in April 2026, half of the Brazilian states will be able to be governed by vice-governors starting in 2026. So far, 13 of the 27 governors have already signaled their intention to run in the next election. Ratinho Júnior is mentioned as an alternative by the president of the PSD. For Gilberto Kassab, the governor of Paraná is the PSD's “natural candidate” for the Presidency. The party is looking forward to putting forward its own candidate for the presidency in 2026.
interested
Among the governors who have signaled an interest in running in the next election are: Romeu Zema (MG), Ronaldo Caiado (GO), Ratinho Júnior (PR), Eduardo Leite (RS), Tarcísio de Freitas (SP), Mauro Mendes (MT), Eduardo Riedel (MS), Renato Casagrande (ES), Cláudio Castro (RJ), Helder Barbalho (PA), Raquel Lyra (PE), Jerônimo Rodrigues (BA) and João Azevêdo (PB).
Tourism map
The municipality of Douradina, in the northwest of Paraná, has become part of the Brazilian Tourism Map, a tool from the Ministry of Tourism that recognizes locations with public policies focused on the sector. With this inclusion, Paraná now has 161 municipalities on the map, reflecting the growth of tourism activity in the state. The city is included in the “complementary tourism offer” category, standing out for its gastronomy, rural tourism and proximity to nautical attractions in the region.
AI and tourism
A survey by Booking revealed that 2 in 3 Brazilians will use artificial intelligence to plan trips in 2025. Tools such as ChatGPT and the new kayak.ai system are already being used to search prices, create itineraries and find personalized accommodation and flight options.
Week S
From May 10 to 18, the S Trade Week will take place in 33 cities in Paraná, with citizenship activities, entertainment and lectures. The event is promoted by CNC, Fecomércio PR, Sesc, Senac and unions. The initiative seeks to strengthen trade and services through innovation and development.
Paraná Note
A 35-year-old consumer from the Boneca do Iguaçu neighborhood in São José dos Pinhais was the winner of the R$1 million prize from Nota Paraná, drawn this Thursday (08). The second prize, of R$100 thousand, went to a resident of Campo Mourão, and the third, of R$50 thousand, went to a consumer from Pinhais. In total, more than 15 thousand participants were also awarded.
Anti-dust Law
The Legislative Assembly of Paraná approved in the first round the “Anti-Dust Law”, which provides for the reuse of milled material — asphalt remains removed from highways — to improve rural roads. The proposal seeks to reduce environmental impacts and benefit communities in the interior. Municipalities and entities will be able to request the material from DER-PR.
Illiteracy
The number of illiterate people in Brazil has grown at a faster rate than the population over the last decade: 7,5 million more. The lack of effective policies and the devaluation of teachers are making the situation worse. Without ensuring decent working conditions for teachers, the country will remain far from making real progress in education.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop debuted in Brazil this Thursday (8), allowing purchases and sales directly through the video app. The platform focuses on “social commerce”, combining entertainment and consumption in just a few clicks. The new feature is expected to impact e-commerce and transform user behavior.
I'm out
The PDT announced that it is no longer supporting the Lula government, following the erosion caused by the dismissal of Carlos Lupi from the Social Security Ministry. With 17 deputies, the party said it was disrespected by the Planalto Palace. This is yet another political setback at a delicate time for the government's articulation.
Column published simultaneously in 24 associated newspapers and portals. Find out more at www.adipr.com.
