The city of Natal, Brazil, is embroiled in a legal battle regarding a tree pruning contract valued at approximately R$ 11 million per year. The contract is held by Liderança Mudanças e Transportes LTDA - ME, a company that was considered technically unqualified by the municipality due to invalid documentation regarding their experience and technical capacity in arboriculture. Despite this disqualification, the company was able to contest the municipality’s decision in court and has remained under contract.

In September 2025, the municipal government successfully appealed to the Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Norte, resulting in the annulment of a prior favorable verdict for the company. However, despite the judicial ruling, the city has chosen to continue the contract with Liderança Mudanças e Transportes LTDA - ME, igniting controversy and drawing attention to the management of public resources. This decision raises questions about the accountability of municipal contracts and the importance of adhering to proper procurement processes.

The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of municipal contracting in Brazil, particularly when legal interventions alter the outcomes of public bidding. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether the municipality will take further steps to rectify the situation, or if the company will continue to operate under the contract despite its initial disqualification, ultimately impacting the city’s management of its green spaces and public funds.