Region Inequalities and Assymetric Federalism

Abstract

The subject matter of this paper is to revisit regional inequalities from the perspective of the new federal system adopted by the Constitution of  1988. It takes into account the main federal responsibility of reducing social and regional inequalities perpetuated for centuries in the Brazilian territory. The federal government has at its disposal the planning, financing and management tools that can reduce these differences, as it occurred in the german unification process of the last 30 years. In Brazil, assymetric federalism perpetuates itself, as it promotes collateral, serious damages in our representative system in order to neutralize the superpower of the richest state of the Brazilian federation.  We also noted the increasing tensions between poor and rich regions, specially during the critical 90’s which may be back in the years ahead.  The paper alerts to the urging need to promote regional sustainable development according to the  international contemporary urban patterns adapted to our regional and local vocations and identities.