After the election is before the election: The fight is now entering the next round for Lula’s supporters as well.
Photo: dpa picture radio
The Bolsonaro spook is not over yet: Lula da Silva was not able to secure an absolute majority in the presidential election in Brazil this Sunday. At the same time, the far-right head of state performed far better than predicted and could now have the momentum on his side. Even if it doesn’t earn him 50 percent plus x, it shows how big ultra-conservative sectors are, how far ignorance reaches, and how deeply right-wing fanaticism has burned itself into Brazilian society. The disaster of the Bolsonaro years with millions of lost jobs, the return of hunger and Brazil’s international pariah role is obvious. Political illiteracy that has never been overcome and the distorted realities of social networks are evident here. The anti-left campaigns of the past, which deeply divided Brazil, are also having an impact.
Lula’s legendary comeback as a tribune is all the more remarkable. There is greater unity on the left and more bright spots in these elections. The Labor Party was able to regain lost ground in a number of cities. In the northeast, Bolsonaro can hardly get a foot on the ground. Another piece of good news is that Lula is exactly the kind of fighter that it takes now to knock out Bolsonaro in overtime. He will try to cause chaos and spread fear of the red menace.
An institutional break is still at least Plan B for Bolsonaro. One argument against a coup is that Biden is not exactly the friend of Bolsonaro’s friend Trump. A march through Lula would have significantly increased the chance of an orderly transfer of power. Restless and dangerous weeks are now coming to Brazil.
