Federal Court suspends the purchase of armored vehicles by the Brazilian Army

On Monday morning (Dec. 5), the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF-1) suspended the purchase of 98 Italian armored cars and tanks by the Brazilian Army.

The preliminary injunction decision followed a popular action that questioned the investment given the cuts of R$5.7 (US$1.1) billion.

The 900 million euro acquisition was to be closed this Monday, with the delivery of the first two vehicles within six months.

In granting the request, TRF-1 judge Wilson Alves de Souza also accepted the argument that there was no emergency in the acquisition of the armored vehicles, considering the “derisory measure” because it represents the renewal of less than 5% of the fleet in times of peace.

“In this context, it is clear that the act does not meet the requirements of expediency and expediency, as it clearly lacks reasonableness, misappropriation, illegality, and even elementary common sense.”

“Because there is no other classification when at the same time that you make cuts in education and health funds for lack of money, you want to buy weapons in times of peace,” said the judge in the decision.

The public notice of public consultation for purchasing the armored vehicles was published in March 2021, but the contract signature call only occurred on November 25.

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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief