Delayed Revolution: Lula's Disconnection from the Revolutionary Ideals of Youth 

May 31, 2024 - 21:57
Delayed Revolution: Lula's Disconnection from the Revolutionary Ideals of Youth 

By Daniella Frota

"Director of women of the State Union of Students of São Paulo and Militant of the Union of Socialist Youth"

 

The appointment of Flávio Dino to the Supreme Court (STF) marked a historic moment, celebrated by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “For the first time in the history of this country, we managed to put a communist minister, a comrade, on the Supreme Court,” Lula said. However, this celebration does not mask the disconnection of his government with the revolutionary aspirations of the youth.

Analyzing Lula's previous mandates, we can observe a more conservative than radical approach. During his first term, he extended the primary surplus target, demonstrating a stricter fiscal commitment than that of his predecessor, Fernando Henrique. No measures of nationalization or significant increase in taxes on large fortunes were implemented. Bolsa Família was expanded, which is a social policy, also established under the previous government under the name of Bolsa Escola, which aims at a differentiated approach to deal with poverty and social inequality, seeking to meet the needs of the neediest families, offering financial support to ensure access to basic subsistence conditions. In the PT governments this program received radically more resources, yet the benefit consumes little of the Union Budget, not compared to other subsidies. 

In 2017, Lula, in his caravans around the country, reiterated the need to increase the consumption of the poor and provide access to goods and services. However, these statements did not translate into the radical measures that many young people expected. The Workers ' Party (PT) was created to transform the working strata into active political subjects, but Lula's practical actions often do not reflect this philosophy. The radicalization of democracy expected of his government implies substantive changes in social relations, something that has not yet been fully realized.

The priority of Lula's government, such as the eradication of hunger, is commendable and crucial, but it does not meet the urgency of structural changes that youth demand. Hunger in Brazil is a reflection of an unsustainable development model that can and must be radically fought. However, this priority also serves as a path of least resistance, seeking to garner broad support without directly confronting interests that are deeply rooted in the social structure of the ruling class.

The Brazilian left is divided over support for the current government. A minority advocates a radical opposition to Lula, arguing that the narrow electoral victory and the permanence of bolsonarism require a more combative posture. For these critics, the Lula government represents an anomalous bourgeois government, which, despite being led by the PT, does not challenge the pillars of Brazilian capitalism. The presence of figures such as Geraldo Alckmin and Simone Tebet within the government reinforces this perception.

In the first six months of the current government, economic growth exceeded market expectations, inflation slowed, and Bolsa Família was overhauled. However, many of these advances are transitory and do not represent a structural change in power relations. The bourgeoisie is divided, but the Bolsonaro opposition remains strong, both institutionally and in the streets and on social networks.

The youth who criticize Lula today grew up in a different context. They did not live through the repression of the dictatorship, the hyperinflation of the 80s, or the stagnation of the 90s. And although this youth is the one who occupies the colleges through the changes and programs imposed in the PT governments, we want more, we want qualified jobs, quality public services, and efficient public transportation. We also demand greater access to leisure and culture, and more transparent and clean political institutions. These legitimate demands reflect a desire for a transformation that goes beyond what Lula has offered.

Democracy is not a pact of silence, but a dynamic process of negotiation and priority setting. We are the youth who want to actively participate in this process, not only voting every four years, but influencing public policy on a daily basis.

To defeat the far right and build a sovereign and just Brazil, the Lula administration needs to transcend its current moderate approach and embrace a more radical agenda. This includes not only bolder economic policies, but also a concerted effort to raise the political and ideological consciousness of the population. Without a vigorous political and ideological struggle against neo-fascism and in favor of the values of equality and solidarity, the achievements of the government will be insufficient to satisfy the Revolutionary longings of the youth.

For youth to contribute to the country's progress towards building a truly sovereign and just nation, it is crucial that the current government adopts policies that directly address the emerging demands of the new generation. Brazilian youth, who grew up in an environment of greater access to education and technology, are increasingly aware of and demanding social, political and economic rights.

We want more than promises and palliative programs, we seek structural transformation that guarantees equality of opportunity and a more equitable distribution of wealth. This means a profound reform in the educational system that not only expands access, but also ensures the quality and relevance of education, so that critical citizens are formed and aware of their role in society. This calls for more investment in infrastructure and technology that will enable all young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, to have the necessary access to quality education.

In addition, we call for environmental policies that ensure sustainability and preserve Brazil's natural resources for future generations. The climate crisis is a central concern, and there is a strong expectation that the government will take bold steps to reduce carbon emissions, protect forests and invest in renewable energy. Youth see the environmental agenda not only as a matter of survival, but also as an opportunity to create new jobs and develop green technologies that can put Brazil at the forefront of global innovation.

In short, we yearn for social justice and equal opportunities. This means decisively confronting the racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination that persist in Brazilian society. Affirmative policies, protection of human rights and a culture of respect for diversity are essential to building a more just and equitable society.

To meet these aspirations, the Lula government needs to connect deeply with the youth, listening to their demands and incorporating their ideas into public policies. The challenge is great, but the reward will be a stronger, fairer Brazil prepared to face the challenges of the future. Without a firm commitment to these principles, economic and social achievements risk being only temporary palliatives, incapable of delivering the lasting transformation the country so desperately needs.

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