Electoral alliances and price gouging: the roots of the COP lodging crisis

Electoral Alliances and Price Gouging: The Roots of the COP Lodging Crisis

With nightly rates soaring into the thousands of reals and improvised sleeping areas set up in churches and shipping containers, the lack of proper accommodation is excluding many social movements from participating in the event.

Lula and Helder Barbalho at the Nova Doca inauguration. In the background, wearing a white shirt, is André Corrêa do Lago, reportedly placed in a difficult position by the governor. Photo: Thiago Gomes/AFP.

The celebration takes place on a temporary stage in Belém’s central district, where local and national political leaders gather to inaugurate Parque Linear da Nova Doca — one of the major projects funded by the federal government in the future COP30 host city.

The highlights of the ceremony are President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Pará governor Helder Barbalho. The enthusiastic crowd chants their names, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a campaign rally.

Dressed in a white shirt with Marajoara motifs, sleeves rolled up and hair neatly styled, the governor takes the stage. He announces he will deliver a “different speech” and begins recounting the journey that brought Belém the global meeting where world leaders attempt to confront the escalating climate crisis.

“He says he will give a different speech and begins to recall the journey that brought Belém the annual meeting where the world’s governments try to deal with the climate emergency that is threatening human life.”

Still, Helder avoids direct discussion of the pressing environmental issues that originally gave rise to the COP summits.

Author’s Summary

The high cost of lodging and political spectacle surrounding COP30 in Belém reveal the tension between local alliances and the broader climate justice agenda.

SUMAÚMA - Jornalismo do Centro do Mundo — 2025-11-03

Electoral Alliances and Price Gouging: The Roots of the COP Lodging Crisis

Author’s Summary

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