A special report published by Broadcast/Estadão on October 17 highlighted an unprecedented phenomenon in the infrastructure sector: in 2025, nearly half of the winners of federal highway auctions were disqualified even before the contracts were signed.
Among the causes are labor law irregularities, deficiencies in performance bonds and a lack of technical or financial evidence. The trend, although initially viewed with concern, has been interpreted by experts as a sign of greater institutional rigor and regulatory maturity.
Our Partner Diogo Nebias, a specialist in infrastructure contracts and regulation, was one of those interviewed and stressed the importance of this preliminary screening for the stability of projects: “Although at first glance they sound negative, these decisions have a positive objective: to ensure adequate services and avoid future disputes.”
The analysis reflects the central role of legal certainty in attracting long-term investment and in consolidating a predictable and reliable environment for the concessions sector.
Report by Elisa Calmon and Luiz Araújo, Broadcast/Estadão, October 17, 2025
