Authoritarian regimes known to humanity culminate in dictatorships, repressive and violent governments that diminish civil rights. It restricts – if not eliminates – individual liberties. In 1947, in the House of Commons, Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, correctly stated that “Democracy is the worst of all systems, with the exception of others”. The principal, most authoritative and participatory model of government established by the Greeks 2,500 years ago, democracy keeps the nation intact, even if today there are still those who contest its efficiency.
Therefore, it is at least strange for democratically elected politicians to question the rules and procedures that led them to their own mandates, especially when they introduced numerous and offensive changes to the rules of the game for their own benefit.
The history of the world and Brazil shows that similar paths have already resulted in years of restricting individual liberties, weakening human rights, and increasing poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment. It is wrong to say that democratic methods and rules are fragile while pretending to defend democracy. It is inconsistent to invoke the principle of freedom by putting the elections into question. The persistence of false premises in support of free thought is dangerous.
Four decades after the country’s re-democratization began, after 34 years of discussion and the maturation of the Brazilian constitution, there are still those who want to go back and go back to the past that we should have learned from. It is this body of laws, subject from time to time to sudden, sometimes unnecessary and electoral changes, that has allowed us to shape a country project, guaranteeing rights and respecting pluralism. The result of intense struggle, dialogue and debate, it gives us opportunities and a voice.
For those who directly contributed to this construction, it is infuriating to hear and witness the violent attacks that Magna Carta has suffered day in and day out. Part of the disinformation campaign promoted by some has the clear intent of leaving us vulnerable and questionable, so that the Charter, if despised, can be altered in favor of those who want to take their liberty outright. However, it is from it that we build all decisions to build public policies that solve people’s problems, especially those who are most vulnerable. Through the federal constitution we have strengthened ourselves as a democracy, whose clear and universal rules uphold our freedom.
Contrary to what its critics say, through the Federal Constitution, fundamental rights are promised and preserved, enabling the country to progress and develop through a real, uncontested and final reduction of inequality and poverty.
I have been exiled twice for 14 years. On my return, as a Constituent Representative, I worked directly in rebuilding our democracy. I was minister, senator, mayor, and governor, and I acted and led power transitions and personally felt the animosity between regimes. So I can assure you that freedom is not the agenda of autocrats. The greatness and development of the state is closely linked to its society’s perspective on its institutions, the clear separation of powers and their individual roles, and the guarantee of civil duties and rights. This is what makes us free.
Next October, we will once again demonstrate the strength of our democracy. A new parliament will be elected and the legislatures and governors will be chosen in the 27 units of the union. The presidency is at stake, and we are more attentive than those who are trying to dismantle what has been achieved in recent years. It is up to every Brazilian and Brazilian to defend and strengthen the republican process that guided our constitution.
in your book About heroes and tombsErnesto Sabato says that dictatorship hides behind demagogy. So it is time to demand from any and all politicians positions regarding principles that guarantee freedom and democratic values. It is time to fight poverty without populism, with integrity, and to choose those who respect the diversity of society. Who guarantees the discussion, even if it differs. defending institutions and clarifying the role of the various authorities and ensuring their independence; that create tangible pathways for job and income generation; This promotes true freedom from the consolidation of democracy.
I repeat: Brazil will be stable and prosperous when it changes responsibly and maintains its achievements with courage. From this real struggle we must get the energy to get rid of reactionary or populist projects, two forces that have a long past in the country, but do not offer a future.
Let us remain ready and optimistic, like the majority of the Brazilian people, in the quest to build a better future for our country. I will continue to fight. I don’t know how to live any other way.
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Senator (PSDB-SP)
