GOTHAM CITY ON GUANABARA BAY

Gotham City was once considered the most corrupt city in the world, but it has been outmatched by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  While Gotham City exists only in the world of comic books, Rio de Janeiro is not a fictitious city.  Recently, during an audience at the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF), a lawyer indicated that in the State of Rio, it was easier to elect the supervillain Joker than Batman!  In the blasé and cocooned world of Brazilian magistrates, the remark drew a tense laugh.  Rio is the seat of the state government and therefore the center of never-ending shenanigans of a politico-corruption nature.   Even by Brazil’s mammoth political corruption standards, Rio beats every other state.

Over the last twenty years, seven state governors, nearly all of them, have been either arrested or convicted of corruption.  In April 2026, the seating governor resigned before being found ineligible for office by a high court.  He was accused of having set up a clever vote buying mechanism which contributed to his election, including “rachadinha” a kind of salary splitting whereby staff must return a portion of their salary to their boss or risk being fired.

Subsequently, a famous columnist wrote that “Gotham City was child play compared to the downfall of Rio de Janeiro and the moral collapse of its political elites”.  Rio is now leaderless and there is no solution in sight, so flawed are the decisions of the discredited higher courts, STF included.  Brazilians are deeply disillusioned with the STF considering the actions of some of the justices.  60% of Brazilians no longer trust the court.  The recent financial scandal of Banco Master exposed two justices who allegedly received substantial financial benefits from the bank’s owner Daniel Vorcaro (refer to my earlier blog on this subject).  Two more justices may be implicated in Vorcaro’s plea bargain: “immoral but not illegal” in this privileged circle.

In Rio, the sleaze and skullduggery are not limited to the governor’s palace, the legislative assembly of the state (ALERJ) has a long history of entrenched cronyism and corruption.  Not only does it function as a nepotic system, but it is deeply infected by criminal organizations, mafia and gangs.  Half of its members are probably on their payroll.  Several ALERJ presidents were jailed following major corruption scandals.  The last president was arrested as recently as December 2025 on suspicion of racketeering and links to the Comando Vermelho.  Red Command is one of Brazil’s oldest and most violent arms smuggling and drug trafficking gang.  It runs many favelas in Rio.

Rio’s dysfunction and challenge do not scare off tourists who come to visit in increasing numbers.  Many are eager to make the favela’s experience; it is exhilarating to take selfies with the locals; it looks good on Instagram.  Favela tourism is blessed by the local drug lords, who provide security and take a cut in the profits. Living tourists are more valuable than dead ones!

Tourists will remember the iconic landscapes of the Marvelous City, but more particularly the spirit of the Cariocas (the name of Rio’s denizens), their kindness, cheerfulness, sense of hospitality and social openness.  This laid-back attitude is a survival mechanism for dealing with their complex and corrupt environment.   Frustration translates into humor, satire or “memes” and Cariocas use humor to cope with and counter the current world affairs chaos.   

Cariocas are physically demonstrative and they loudly cherish their heroes, notably soccer players.  The city’s new hero is called Hulk, he is a police dog, not a soccer player.  Hulk sniffed out 48 tons of weeds (marijuana) hidden in a concrete cistern in the Maré favela.  It was the largest drug bust ever.  Cariocas, known for their cynicism, anticipate that Hulk’s good work will be for nothing: drugs kept in police custody tend to vanish.

                                                                       A proud Hulk sitting on top of marijuana blocks. 

Tourists land at RioGaleao airport on the shore of the foul-smelling Guanabara Bay where cleanup remains stalled by corruption, unfulfilled political promises and mismanagement.  Then, they ride past the drug infested Maré favela (despite Hulk’s efforts).  The impoverished community is partially obstructed by acoustic barriers purposely designed to hide the favela from visitors.  Enjoy your stay in Gotham City!