It is important to note that understanding international politics and political wave shifts in a region requires the use of precise and comprehensive terms. The given analysis will focus on Brazil and its recent major election win by Lula da Silva over Jair Bolsonaro. The term ‘leftist’ is a useful description of da Silva as well as the character of each government. The reasons why he was elected are due to his past performance through welfare programs, greater state control over the economy, and more rights for minorities.
Firstly, in order to showcase that the term ‘leftist’ is an applicable term to da Silva, it is critical to define this key concept. It refers to a person who holds left-wing political views, usually in support of social equality, the welfare state, pro-environment, anti-nationalism, progressivism, and secularism (Agustín 113). Therefore, one can see that using one term can be useful to quickly define a political figure since there is a range of stances involved in a more precise description.
Secondly, the reason why da Silva was elected over Bolsonaro is due to his past performance through welfare programs. He essentially demonstrated his capability to deliver on his promises before, which indicates that there is a strong track record despite any corruption scandals. When de Silva left his presidency, his approval rating was at 80% (Paulo 23).1 Even Obama proclaimed him the most popular politician on the planet (“Brazil’s 3rd Wave Democracy” 36). Although he was convicted of corruption and money laundering in 2017, his charges were annulled due to the judge conspiring with the prosecutor, creating a biased judgment (Paulo 23).2 Therefore, his past failures are questionable, but his achievements were real and popularly approved.
Thirdly, da Silva’s political views adhere to the entire set of beliefs of the term ‘leftist.’ Although he would be considered a more moderate left-leaning politician in the US, he favors greater state control over the economy. It stated that “Lula also wants faster growth, but his way to get there is by giving the state a larger role in the economy” (The Editorial Board par. 8). The analysis of left-leaning aspirations showcases that Lula wants to use stronger government in the economic processes to ensure social equality by focusing on the poorest and most deprived. Unlike his conservative opponent or any right-wing politician, he does not believe that market forces and the economy naturally benefit all citizens and, thus, require directing of the resources.
Fourthly, da Silva was elected because his stance on social equality extends to social justice by granting more rights to minorities. After his win, voters say: “I believe gay people will be free again. I believe that Black people will be free again” (Ferguson and Lyons par. 13). The analysis demonstrates that da Silva is consistent in his political positioning as a ‘leftist.’ This indicates that despite possible negative connotations of the word, it is useful in describing the internal political struggles within Brazil.
In conclusion, the reasons why da Silva was elected are due to his past performance through welfare programs, greater state control over the economy, and more rights for minorities. Thus, it is important to note that the term ‘leftist’ is a useful description of da Silva as well as the character of each government. He holds left-wing political views in support of social equality, welfare state, pro-environment, anti-nationalism, progressivism, and secularism. He showcased his ability to deliver on his promises before, which indicates that there is a strong track record despite any corruption scandals.
Works Cited
“Brazil’s 3rd Wave Democracy: A New Left Turn? The Challenges of Inequality, Ethnic Exclusion, and Corruption.” Lecture.
Agustín, Óscar G. Left-Wing Populism: The Politics of the People. Emerald Publishing, 2020.
Ferguson, Jane, and Charles Lyons. “Brazil’s former leftist leader ‘Lula’ defeats incumbent far-right President Bolsonaro.” Wall Street Journal, Web.
Paulo, São. “How Corrupt was Lula?” The Economist, Web.
The Editorial Board. “Will Brazil Go Back to the Left?” Wall Street Journal, Web.