JANUARY marked a year since Lula returned to Brazil’s presidency, defeating the far-right Bolsonaro. 

New measures and approaches have advanced the causes of democracy, social progress, equality, environmentalism and internationalism.

Below the Brazil Solidarity Initiative looks at some of the Brazilian Workers’ Party’s key achievements:

Seeing off the far right’s coup move

In January 2023, encouraged by Jair Bolsonaro boycotting Lula da Silva’s inauguration, far-right supporters unsuccessfully stormed the national congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Federal Court a week after Lula’s installation as president.    

Lula responded by removing the head of the military, Julio Cesar de Arruda, for stopping the police from arresting far-right rioters, as well as over 80 military officials from the presidential palace and other key areas.

Calls were also issued to social movements in Brazil and internationally to remain vigilant in defence of democracy, in a country where memories remain very much alive of the horrendous military dictatorship established in 1964, after an army coup supported by the US.

Reversing Bolsonaro’s reactionary presidential decrees

Immediately scrapping key policies of Bolsonaro meant that eight state-owned companies were saved from privatisation; financial support for protecting the Amazon was reinstated; and measures on illegal mining repealed.

The strong message to opponents of the Lula administration was that change was coming.

Economic growth, expanding public investment and job creation

Better than expected GDP growth in 2023 (nearly 3 per cent) signals a move away from Bolsonaro’s failed extreme austerity approach, with efforts towards job creation being praised. 

Limits on public spending have also been increased. The government also restarted infrastructure works stopped during Bolsonaro’s tenure, including investment in housing and school building.

A “Green Transition” plan of around 100 wide-ranging actions is to be implemented in four years, focusing on the economic opportunities provided by the green economy.

A commitment to fight poverty and ‘end hunger in this country once again’

Lula has relaunched the Bolsa Familia (Family Fund) that he introduced during his first two terms of office.

Some 21 million Brazilian families will receive a monthly basic subsidy of US$115, increasing by US$29 for each child under six years of age. Affecting some 60 million Brazilians suffering from poverty, the cost is about 1.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Alongside this, the “Fome Zero” programme aims to eradicate hunger.

Results are already evident — by the end of July, 43 million people (around 18 million households) have been raised above the poverty line — visible to anyone visiting large Brazilian cities such as Rio and Sao Paulo.

Expanding healthcare

The Covid pandemic revealed the urgent need to address health inequalities. Building on the More Doctors programme launched by then president Dilma Rousseff, but run down under Bolsonaro, the new More Doctors for Brazil programme immediately created 15,000 new vacancies for professionals with a degree in medicine, aiming for 28,000 by the end of the year.

This will provide guaranteed primary care health services for 96 million people, particularly for those poorly served in the most distant municipalities and on big cities’ outskirts.

Major environmental policies - reversing Bolsonaro’s climate vandalism

Brazil is home to the Amazon and 20 per cent of global fresh water. It has suffered from heatwaves, droughts and other ecological disasters, so this priority could not be more important.

In appointing Marina Silva as environment minister with a mandate to review the status of a large block of public lands on which deforestation had expanded under Bolsonaro, Lula immediately addressed a key demand of climate justice campaigners.

Results were fast. According to Greenpeace, deforestation in the Amazon in July 2023 had reduced by 66 per cent.

Indigenous rights and the struggle for equality

The promise to create a Ministry of Indigenous affairs has been fulfilled, while Anielle Franco, sister of the murdered activist Marielle Franco, has taken office as minister of racial equality.

Under Bolsonaro, Brazil’s Indigenous affairs agency, Funai, was prevented from protecting Indigenous communities’ lands from invasions by outsiders. Renamed as requested by Indigenous people’s leaders, it has now been set back to work under Joenia Wapichana, the first-ever Indigenous woman elected to congress. 

A progressive approach to international relations

Bolsonaro caused major damage to Brazil’s relations with many countries in Latin America and beyond. With Lula back, Brazil has returned to the world stage.

Brazil is the leading voice of the global South, asserting a commitment to multilateralism and peace — Lula has led the global majority in speaking up for Palestinian rights at the UN, and calling for peace and dialogue in Ukraine.

Lula’s standing on climate issues has been crucial. The presidency of G20 and the Cop30 in Belem will be further opportunities to advance this progressive and multipolar agenda.

Building regional integration as Latin America turns away from US domination

In Latin America meanwhile, Lula organised a relaunch of the South American Unasur bloc in May and an Amazon policy summit in August.

He has restored relationships with countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, and the Brazilian Workers Party remains a key part of the Sao Paulo Forum, which brings together key socialist, progressive and anti-imperialist forces across the region.

Challenges ahead – build international solidarity

These achievements have been made despite Lula having limited support in congress which is seeking to delay and block parts of his agenda.

Building a better Brazil poses many challenges in critical areas, such as education, health and the fight against crime. Brazil’s massive trade unions and social movements will play a key role in making sure progressive solutions to these problems remain high on the agenda.

We should build international solidarity with those fighting for social progress — and against the continuing menace of the far right.

Become a Brazil Solidarity Initiative supporter and find out more at www.brazilsolidarity.co.uk.