One year has passed since the attempted coup on January 8, 2023. Contrary to what the far-right and even some sectors of the press try to spread, it was not a spontaneous demonstration or a mere “disorder” that got out of control. It involved months of preparation, financing, coordination, agitation, and logistics to reach an act of extreme violence aimed at overthrowing the newly elected president, ending democratic freedoms in the country, and establishing a new corporate-military dictatorship, with Bolsonarism at the forefront as the political force supported by the most reactionary sectors of society.
Fortunately, thanks to a combination of factors, the worst was avoided. The coup did not have external support, and within the country, the bourgeoisie and the military were deeply divided. The financial, industrial, legislative, and major media sectors chose to bet on a peaceful transition of power and then extract concessions from Lula through blackmail, threats, and boycott. That is what they are doing now.
The defeat of the coup was, symmetrically, a great victory for the working people and the oppressed. However, this victory did not demonstrate “the strength of our democracy.” On the contrary, it proved that our democracy is extremely fragile and tutored.
The defeat of the coup was, symmetrically, a great victory for the working people and the oppressed. However, this victory did not demonstrate “the strength of our democracy.” On the contrary, it proved that our democracy is extremely fragile and tutored.
The repressive actions against the coup plotters, led mainly by Alexandre de Moraes, played a very important role as they served as a first warning to those who fish in murky waters. However, they are still insufficient. So far, the mastermind behind the coup, Jair Bolsonaro, remains free, orchestrating the far-right both domestically and internationally, mobilizing his fanatics, and preparing for this year’s municipal elections, where they aim to conquer between 1000 and 1500 mayoralties.
They are preparing for the second round of confrontation (a “3rd round” of elections), and we cannot be caught off guard again. The Bolsonarist danger continues to threaten us. If they strengthen again, we may witness new adventures. Military personnel who intended to support the uprising with weapons and business figures who financed the entire operation also remain free, seeking alternatives to destabilize the government through other means. The country remains divided. The government is unable to make inroads into the social base of Bolsonarism and continues to operate fundamentally based on the narrow advantage gained in the elections. All of this contributes to an extremely complex scenario in terms of the balance of forces and the government’s fragility.
To completely dissipate the coup threat, in addition to advancing repressive measures, it is necessary to politically divide the Bolsonarist base. This can be achieved by fulfilling campaign promises. While it is true that Bolsonarism is stronger among the more privileged sectors, its base is not limited to that. A significant portion of the working class voted for Bolsonaro and remains alienated from Lula and the government. It is necessary to win them back. This won’t be possible if the government continues to rely on accommodation with the financial sector, major media, and the centrist coalition. Offering positions to Lira and Pacheco, maintaining a zero deficit, the fiscal framework, and supporting (or turning a blind eye to) reactionary measures from the “bullet, beef, and Bible caucus” – all of this weakens the government and the project of social transformation.
It is also crucial for the left and social movements to invest in street mobilization to confront the far-right and push for deeper changes in the country.
It is also crucial for the left and social movements to invest in street mobilization to confront the far-right and push for deeper changes in the country. In addition to parliamentary pressure, it is necessary to connect with real life in communities, associations, unions, categories, schools, universities, preparatory courses, and all spaces of resistance. We must reclaim the streets, the natural place of the left, which have been contested by Bolsonarism for many years. It is essential to regain left-wing hegemony in social mobilization to push back the far-right!
In this regard, the calls from the Fronts Povo Sem Medo e Brasil Popular [People Without Fear and Popular Brazil Fronts] for actions on January 8th are of great importance. It’s not just to remember and denounce the coup but also to advance a program of social transformations and popular mobilization. On the streets, let’s raise the flag: No Amnesty! Jail for Bolsonaro and all coup plotters! For a government of social changes!
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