In the elections to be held in Brazil in October, it is not only the party that will take over the government in the country from 2023. For MEP Iratxe Garcia, the leader of the Socialist and Democratic Party, one of the biggest political movements in Europe, democracy is at stake.
This week he leads a delegation of European lawmakers to Brazil on a mission to deepen ties with social movements and leftist parties. But also to give a message of support to the democratic process. One of the meetings that the group will hold will be with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In an interview with UOL before leaving for Brazil, MEP insists that the country is now run by a “backward right” and that Brazil’s image in the world is one where decades of social achievements have been destroyed.
Today, he leads a bloc with 145 deputies in the European Parliament, the second largest political force in the institution. Here are key excerpts from the interview:
Chad – Why are you going to Brazil right now with a delegation of European MPs?
Iratxe Garcia – A very important moment in the entire Latin American region and, of course, in Brazil. This is due to the political situation and the region’s shift towards a more progressive vision that aligns with the values we advocate in European Social Democracy. Also, the political situation in Brazil with Bolsonaro’s populist government undoubtedly makes us see on the left the importance of strengthening ties between the country and the political families we have affinity with.
Soon we will hold elections in Brazil with a possible change of government that will give hope to the citizens. There are many things that unite us and this is a very important moment politically for this country. We must strengthen this cooperation.
What does the Brazilian election mean in the world and what is at stake?
It goes far beyond the power struggle. It is the defense of values such as democracy. We have seen how far-right populist movements are not isolated in one part of the world. We have seen this in Donald Trump in the US, and in totalitarian and populist governments in Hungary and Poland in Europe. And we’ve seen them in Brazil in recent years.
Democracy and human rights are achievements that we must cherish every day. It is never guaranteed for life. There may be setbacks. But they are also reversible. And this is the pivotal moment that Brazil is living today. We’ve seen a government that disrupts the struggle for social justice, equality, the environment and poverty in Brazil.
What image of Brazil has been portrayed on the international stage in recent years?
A retrospective image of rights for the defense of collectives like LGBT, women and others that does not respect the gains or societal advances made in recent years. There has been a clear setback, and this is the image of Brazil. Not to mention the deterioration of climate policies, Amazon and workers’ rights.
Therefore, the Brazilian image in the world is that there is a populist right that can destroy long-conquered social policies.
And has this affected Brazil’s ability to play a leading role in international politics?
Like, of course, Brazil’s stance of defending multilateralism, which was suspended during the Bolsonaro years. We need to put common challenges on the table, such as social issues, the environment, and others. We have a common agenda that has been blocked in recent years, and which can now create opportunities for it to restart.
We saw what happened in the USA with mobilization through social networks and a coup attempt based on far-right ideology. Are you afraid that something similar could happen in Brazil? Is the world looking at the Brazilian election process with concern?
There is a worldwide concern about manipulation of social media, Fake News and something to do with interference with election processes. It’s not a Brazilian problem, but it’s also definitely a reality.
source: Noticias
