By REGINALDO S. FERNANDES*
The emphasis on “hope” and social well-being reflects an attempt to connect with voters on a more emotional and aspirational level, in contrast to the more combative approach of the past.
In the current scenario of party representation, government proposals and platforms were rarely verified in the last elections. It is not possible to say that there was an increase in parties more aligned to the right, left, center-right or center-left. It seems that these elements have lost relevance, as a result of factors such as political polarization, social networks and the personalization of politics, where the image and charisma of candidates often override concrete proposals.
Furthermore, party fragmentation and lack of ideological clarity make it difficult to identify a clear growth of parties aligned with specific positions on the political spectrum. This reinforces the idea that elections revolve more around individuals than ideologies or government platforms.
To better understand the current situation, we also need to include Constitutional Amendment No. 97/2017. This amendment prohibits party coalitions in proportional elections and establishes rules on parties’ access to party funds and free advertising time on radio and television. It seeks to structure the party system more rigidly, aiming to reduce fragmentation and promote greater ideological clarity. At the same time, it strengthens the larger parties and places greater emphasis on government proposals and platforms.
Banning coalitions could reduce the number of parties, as smaller ones will have difficulty sustaining themselves without alliances. This could result in greater ideological clarity, where consolidated parties will have more resources to develop and disseminate their ideas, encouraging a greater focus on government proposals and platforms.
However, even with these new rules, the personalization of politics and the influence of social media could continue to distract from the proposals. The transitional rules set out in the amendment could help parties adapt, but could also create tensions as they adjust their strategies to remain relevant.
In this new political scenario, the emergence of party federations exemplifies how parties have mobilized to face the demands imposed by the amendment. Federations allow for a more structured and lasting union between parties, promoting greater cohesion and coordination, reflecting a trend towards managerialism, where efficiency and strategic management become essential for political success.
With coalitions banned, smaller parties, which previously depended on alliances to ensure their representation, need to find more effective ways to organize and compete. Federations offer a solution, allowing these parties to share resources, advertising time and strategies, strengthening their presence in the political arena.
Furthermore, more efficient and coordinated management within federations can result in a greater focus on government proposals and platforms. This is because parties must present a united and coherent front to attract voters. Thus, the political environment can favor the appreciation of ideas and proposals, rather than them being overshadowed by the personalization of politics.
The creation of the Brazilian Federation of Hope, composed of classic center-left and left-wing parties such as the PT, PC do B and PV, represents a significant change in the political strategy of these groups. Traditionally, the PT and PC do B have focused their campaigns on denouncing capitalism, wealth concentration and Western imperialism in Latin America. However, by uniting in a federation, these parties have adopted a new approach, centered on “hope” and social well-being.
This change in strategy is a direct response to the new requirements imposed by Constitutional Amendment No. 97/2017, which prohibits party coalitions in proportional elections. The need to adapt to a more rigid and competitive political scenario led these parties to reinvent themselves, seeking a more positive and inclusive message, capable of attracting a wider electorate.
The emphasis on “hope” and social well-being reflects an attempt to connect with voters on a more emotional and aspirational level, in contrast to the more combative approach of the past. This shift can be seen as a strategy to differentiate oneself in an increasingly polarized and fragmented political landscape, where the personalization of politics and the influence of social media play a crucial role.
Furthermore, the formation of a federation allows these parties to share resources, advertising time and strategies, strengthening their presence in the political arena and increasing their chances of electoral success. Coordinated management can promote a greater focus on proposals and solutions to social problems, ensuring greater prominence for these issues.
The ideological fragmentation within the democratic field, marked by the emergence of parties such as PSOL and REDE, highlights the crisis of unity that has weakened the capacity for political articulation around a common agenda. This process of rupture began after Lula's election in 2002, when the PT formed a coalition with the center-right. This generated discontent in more left-wing sectors, leading to the fragmentation of forces, which, instead of strengthening the democratic and popular field, diluted its influence.
Trade unions and social movements, which have historically served as pillars of political mobilization and support, have also suffered from this fragmentation. The decline in organizational capacity and the loss of influence of these groups in public debate have contributed to the weakening of the popular camp. With the emergence of Lava Jato, which launched a legal and media offensive against left-wing political leaders, and the rebirth of the extreme right, supported by pseudo-conservative sectors, the space for democratic and popular leadership has been further reduced.
This context created fertile ground for the advancement of anti-system rhetoric, which, although aimed at the political class as a whole, particularly affected left-wing forces, associated with corruption through the discourse of Operation Lava Jato. The rise of the extreme right, which managed to channel social discontent, consolidated a siege on the democratic and popular field, making it difficult for these leaders to return to power.
In general, the current scenario does not demonstrate the weakness or strengthening of a party or party group. It is characterized by a demand for parties to adapt and seek new forms of articulation, even for political survival. Effective voter acceptance is increasingly less focused on parties and sociological concepts, and more focused on digital media and practical results. Overcoming fragmentation and revitalizing the democratic and popular field will be important to face the challenges that will arise in the next elections.
*Reginaldo S. Fernandes, historian, has a master's degree in Culture and Territory from UFNT.
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