Things are declining rapidly in my country. I have no idea whether Brazil will end up like Venezuela or Argentina or if something will happen before we hit rock bottom. But since the inauguration of the “new old” leftist government of populist president Lula, it’s one bad news after another in politics, economy, freedom, and liberty.
Less than two months into his term, Lula hasn’t made clear his plans to advance the agenda for the good of the country. He’s more invested in passing the buck, pushing his retrograde and divisive discourse, advancing ideological alliances, and promoting unorthodox initiatives and policies. In other words, everything that has failed miserably in the not-so-distant past.
Not to mention the scandals already popping up. When you add the promotion of wokeism and authoritarianism, the complacency of the congress, the collusion of the press, and the polarization of civil society, the future looks gloomier today than even during the worse of the pandemic. If things keep going this way, Brazil is about to become less developing and more Third World.
Too early for that kind of crap.
It was promised that the end of Bolsonaro would bring peace and union, but instead, this has been quite a tumultuous and ominous start for Lula so far. The boondoggle is furthering radicalization, spreading concern among investors, and destabilizing the market.
Shouldn’t a new government enjoy a honeymoon period? Except this government isn’t new: we’ve seen the names, misconducts, scandals, and failed ideas before. Lula’s Workers Party governed Brazil between 2003 and 2016, but accepts no responsibility for the current situation, even declaring it will “fix everything” in the next four years.
After the most polarized, disputed, and controversial elections in decades, few have much tolerance for the cheap populism and blatant nonsense, including many of Lula’s supporters. There’s just so much to do in the face of the ongoing global crisis, yet the president is still acting like he’s campaigning.
Practical developments of destructive policies take time to manifest in the street economy and the quotidian.
That’s the dynamic of things, even in the current unfavorable environment. It doesn’t hit the fan immediately or suddenly. Furthermore, Brazil is not isolated, meaning the global market will largely influence whether things go in one direction or another here, too (not that this is cause for optimism, just saying).
However, the escalating attacks on rights and freedom and the disregard for the Constitution by the government and a hyperactive Supreme Court are already impacting society and affecting the economy. One example is the crackdown on gun rights.
Lula signed a mandate on inauguration day suspending the issuing of new licenses and registers, effectively stopping the commerce of firearms and ammunitions dead in its tracks. The sector currently employs more than 3 million people and represents 5% of Brazil’s GDP. Investments have been put on hold, and layoffs and closures already started.
Read More: Here’s How Fast Things Have Changed
