What Brazil Means for the World
Lula won a stunning victory, but bolsonarismo lives on. What are the lessons for the global fight against the far right?
TL;DR
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won an unprecedented fourth term as Brazil's president in a highly dramatic election.
- The far-right 'bolsonarista' vote has steadily grown, consolidating power in Congress and state governments.
- The far-right's success is linked to a cultural shift, disillusionment with democracy, and the internalisation of neoliberalism from below.
- The author argues against the term 'revolution,' preferring 'harnessing and acceleration' of social disintegration caused by neoliberalism.
- Lula's victory buys time for democracy, the environment, public services, and institutions, but a long-term strategy is needed.
- The left must confront the challenge of articulating an emancipatory project in times of diminishing expectations.
- The victory was a result of broad popular mobilization and an 'ecology' that developed around Lula, not just the PT or Lula himself.
- Preparations for future elections, particularly 2030 when Lula can no longer run, must begin now, focusing on building a new social base.