Brazilian Monarchy, 1822-1889 (1888, Abolition of Slavery)

Independence was declared, and Brazil began to search for new products. After the mining riches had mostly dried up, the Brazilian monarchy marked the advent of coffee! The first capital of the state of Minas Gerais, a masterpiece of Colonial Art, changed its name from Vila Rica (rich city) to Ouro Preto (black gold) in 1823. By 1840, the country had become the world’s leading coffee producer and exporter. As labor was practically free (there were 4 million slaves in Brazil in the 19th century), profits were enormous. This was the time of the Senzala, the slave houses on the large agricultural estates, the fazenda. To better understand this fundamental period in the construction of the identity of Brazilian society, the book “Casa Grande & Senzala” by sociologist Gilberto Freyre, published in 1933, is a must-read. Liberal elites began to put pressure on the monarchy. Slavery was finally abolished by the Queen in 1888, following major social movements such as the Dragão do Mar revolt in Fortaleza, Ceará state, and the monarchy was deposed in 1889.

Republic of “Café com Leite” 1889-1930

In search of new industrial development, Brazil turned to coal production. It was also the heyday of the Ciclo da Borracha, the period of rubber exploitation from the rubber tree, which grows in the heart of Amazonia. The famous Barão da Borracha, rulers of Manaus, became prodigiously wealthy and, for a time, made the Amazonian capital the most modern city in the world, installing electricity, telephones, and running water, and even building a copy of the Opéra Garnier in the heart of the jungle, the famous Teatro Amazonas, entirely out of materials imported from Europe. The death knell of this prosperous period sounded in 1910 with a sudden drop in prices due to the British marketing rubber produced on plantations in Asia, after having exported thousands of seeds in great secrecy 30 years earlier. At the same time, Brazil’s fledgling republic was proving extremely corrupt and its wealth very unevenly distributed. In reality, it was the industrialists who shared all the power – the dairy industry ruled Minas Gerais whilst coffee was king in São Paulo.The middle class was neglected, and army-led uprisings became increasingly frequent.

These revolutionary and populist ideas gradually spread throughout the country. The Café com Leite Republic was overthrown by a coup d’état in 1930.

The Republic of the United States of Brazil, 1945-1964

Getúlio Vargas was one of the revolutionary leaders who took power. He developed a populist ideology, much appreciated by the middle class. Considered the “father of the poor,” Getúlio Vargas instituted a dictatorial regime. He himself suffered a coup d’état in 1945, without trial or punishment. This absence of punishment was conditional on his support for the new democratic republic. He accepted, and was even President between 1951 and 1954. This was followed by President Kubitschek’s progressive period, from 1954 to 1961, during which time the new Brazilian capital Brasília was built. Brazil sought to establish itself as a world power. Brazil was then singled out by the United States for its government, considered too left-wing, too communist. At the time, Brazil was interested in socialist ideas and was approached by USSR ambassadors. The great Eastern power was now seeking to gain a foothold in South America and was eagerly eyeing Brazil’s immense resources. The fall of the Fourth Republic of Brazil, then presided over by João Goulart, was backed by the CIA, and it was a military coup orchestrated by Marechal Castello Branco that overthrew the Republic of the United States of Brazil. The fear of a transition to socialist rule was put forward, and demonstrations by the wealthy classes in the big cities served as justification for the military coup.

The same argument remains strong among today’s Brazilian right wing politicians and Bolsonaro’s more extreme supporters, who dispute the term coup d’état (Golpe de Estado) and speak of revolution, going so far as to glorify the actors of this period as patriotic heroes who saved Brazil from the Soviet peril.

Brazil’s Military Dictatorship, 1964-1985

The military intervention of 1964, which was supposed to be temporary and followed by democratic elections, turned into a lasting dictatorship. An extremely repressive policy was put in place. A new authoritarian Brazilian constitution came into force on January 24, 1967. The introduction of extreme population control measures, the famous AI-5 decree in 1968, marked a new turning point and made this period the darkest in the political history of the nation. Several hundred Brazilians were deported, imprisoned, tortured, and killed. The government carried out road and power dam projects, forcing the Indigenous peoples to flee their lands.

The early 1980s saw the beginning of a relaxation of Brazil’s dictatorial regime. In 1985, universal suffrage was re-established for the election of state governors and the President of the Republic.

The Nova República (1988 to Present): Organization of Brazil’s Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Powers

Brazil’s democracy is therefore very recent. Brazil’s contrasting and mixed origins stem from its history, which is also reflected in its political evolution. Today, the Brazilian political system has adopted the principle of separation of powers. This principle stipulates strict equity between the three branches of government (legislative, judicial, and executive), giving equal importance to each. This principle is also applied by European parliamentary systems, but with more nuance. Indeed, the executive and judicial powers must refer to and submit to the legislative power within the framework of the Constitution. In Brazil, each power is of equal importance, without distinction.

Legislative power lies with the National Congress, while executive power is vested in the President of the Republic, who is both Head of State and Head of Government. It is the President who appoints the 17 ministers who assist him in every position and decision. At the same time, a Council of the Republic has the power to rule on federal interventions and issues relating to democratic stability. This Council of the Republic is made up of the Vice-President, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, the President of the Senate, the leaders of the majority and the opposition of these two assemblies, the Minister of Justice; six Brazilian citizens over 35 years of age, two appointed by the President of the Republic, two elected by the Chamber of Deputies and two elected by the Senate, for a non-renewable three-year term. The 1988 Constitution is a solid, supreme foundation that gives judges relatively significant powers.

The Supreme Federal Court, a Key Brazilian Political Body

The STF (Supremo Tribunal Federal) is the most powerful body in the Brazilian political system. Created in 1890, on the eve of the proclamation of the Republic, this court is based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, established in 1988. Independent and sovereign, its decisions are indisputable and cannot be appealed in any way whatsoever. Made up of 11 judges (known as “ministers”) appointed by the presidents in power and approved in parallel by the Senate, its main mission is to ensure that the Constitution is respected in all political spheres of the country.

Recent Political Developments: Lula’s Return and the Changing Landscape 

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, returned to the presidency in January 2023 after winning the 2022 election. His victory marked a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape, moving away from the far-right policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula’s campaign focused on social justice, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability. His return to power has been met with both hope and skepticism, as he faces the challenge of uniting a deeply divided country.

Economic and Environmental Policies

Under Lula’s leadership, Brazil is expected to see a renewed focus on reducing poverty and inequality. Lula has promised to reinstate social programs that were cut under Bolsonaro and to introduce new initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of Brazil’s poorest citizens. On the environmental front, Lula has pledged to tackle deforestation in the Amazon, which saw significant increases during Bolsonaro’s tenure. He has also emphasized the importance of sustainable development and protecting Brazil’s rich biodiversity.

Political Challenges and Opposition

Lula’s presidency is not without its challenges. He faces a polarized political environment, with significant opposition from right-wing groups and supporters of Bolsonaro. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. Lula’s ability to navigate this complex political landscape will be critical to his success in implementing his agenda.

Recent Protests and Social Movements

Brazil has seen a resurgence of protests and social movements, driven by various issues such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and political corruption. These movements have been fueled by social media and have brought together diverse groups demanding change. Lula’s government will need to address these concerns to maintain social stability and foster a more inclusive society.

A Hopeful Political Horizon for Brazil

The return of Lula to the presidency offers a glimmer of hope for many Brazilians who are looking for change and progress. His administration’s focus on social justice, economic reform, and environmental protection aligns with the aspirations of a significant portion of the population.

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and Lula will need to demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to democratic principles to navigate Brazil through this critical period.

As Brazil continues to evolve politically, the resilience and determination of its people remain a constant force. The upcoming years will be crucial in shaping the future of this vibrant and diverse nation. Whether through the restoration of social programs, the protection of the environment, or the strengthening of democratic institutions, Brazil’s journey is one of continuous transformation and growth.