São Paulo Council Hearing Ends in Shoving Match Over Ride-Hailing App Debate

A public hearing in São Paulo, Brazil, on May 30, 2025, concerning the regulation of motorcycle taxi services, unexpectedly turned violent. Councilman Lucas Pavanato and Gilberto Almeida dos Santos, president of Sindimoto-SP, engaged in a physical altercation after a heated discussion on ride-sharing apps. "The syndicalist, the most rejected by the category he claims to represent," said Pavanato, sparking the conflict. Dos Santos responded by approaching Pavanato and grabbing him by the collar. Security intervened, separating the two men. Council President Ricardo Teixeira condemned the violence, stating, "We need to put order here." A new hearing has been scheduled to continue the discussion.