Brazil’s elections: The Economist interviews Lula

Election Context and Security Concerns

• The 2022 Brazilian presidential election is characterized as "bitter and violent," with former President Jair Bolsonaro (incumbent) facing former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who currently leads the polls.
• Lula describes the current climate as having "no precedent in the history of Brazil," citing a rise in violence linked to Bolsonaro supporters and incitement similar to that observed in the United States.
• A Bolsonaro supporter has been accused of shooting and killing a political opponent, illustrating the "violent climate" Lula claims is unprecedented.
• Lula warns that without intervention from electoral justice and the political class, the election risks becoming a "demonstration of cannibalism" rather than a democratic process.
• Lula asserts that the Workers' Party (PT) practices and appreciates democracy, whereas he claims the Bolsonaro camp does not like or practice it.
• Lula notes that while Bolsonaro retains millions of supporters, not all are violent, but the overall atmosphere of polarization poses a significant risk to Brazilian society.

Post-Election Governance and Unity

• Lula states his strategy to pacify the country involves governing for everyone, strictly adhering to the constitution, and making society a participant in executing the government program.
• Upon winning, Lula pledges to form a "broad government" extending beyond the PT to include people from various sectors to ensure good governance.
• Lula argues that any future administration must rely on a pact between the federal and state governments to prioritize infrastructure works and re-dynamize the economy.

Historical Accountability and Corruption

• Lula refuses to apologize for the PT regarding the "Lava Jato" corruption scheme, stating the party is "tired of apologizing for the mistakes of the PT."
• He maintains that the PT's core function is to guarantee investigations for those who make mistakes, ensuring the presumption of innocence and condemning the guilty if found so.
• Lula claims he was innocent of the corruption allegations and regrets that Lava Jato shifted the fight against corruption into a "political combat process."
• Lula promises that if elected, his administration will remain "very rigid" to speed up any future corruption complaints.

Economic Policy and Industrial Strategy

• Lula contrasts current economic performance with his previous tenure, citing an average annual growth of 4.5% during his mandate versus the 1.3% average recorded between 2010 and 2020.
• He proposes a strategy to reindustrialize Brazil, noting a decline in the industrial sector's contribution to GDP from 30% to the current 10-11%.
• Key economic pillars include:
  • Restoring BNDES (National Development Bank) to its role as a development bank.
  • Having Banco do Brasil encourage small, medium-sized, and rural producers.
  • Investing heavily in basic equipment and building millions of new houses.
  • Strengthening industrial policy through a combination of state, private sector, and university collaboration.
• Lula identifies "civil construction" as a primary area for generating jobs, alongside basic sanitation and railway development.
• The administration's "zero priority" is food security, specifically ensuring that no Brazilian starves and that the poor can live in dignity.
• Lula emphasizes massive investment in education and the training of engineers to ensure long-term productivity and competitiveness.