Plantar solidariedade, colher resistência: contribuições do MST para a participação política no Brasil no contexto da pandemia

Abstract

Some democratic regimes around the world have witnessed regressions in recent years, as is the case with Brazil. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation due to the convergence of health, economic, political, environmental, and social crises. Considering the capacity of social movements to deepen democracy, this study is guided by the following question: what were the contributions of the Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST) to political participation in Brazil during the pandemic? Through a literature review, a case study was conducted that analyzes Brazilian democracy in light of participatory democracy theory, participation in Brazil during the pandemic, and identifies potential contributions from the MST. Brazilian democracy had been undergoing a process of expanding institutionalized participation since 1988, disseminating public policies, and being more open to social movements. The MST's struggle contributes to the deepening of democracy by promoting agrarian reform and defending the rights of the working class. Democratic setbacks are evident in structural reforms aimed at withdrawing rights, limitations on social participation, limited responsiveness to social demands, and attacks on procedures and rules of the game. The government of Jair Bolsonaro demonstrates an ongoing neoliberal offensive, promoting reforms in favor of a minimal state and undermining public services. The pandemic has exposed the consequences of this project, and the actions taken by the MST represented a counterpoint to the setbacks. They contributed to political participation by promoting political coordination campaigns, disseminating alternative information, and engaging in acts of solidarity. The pedagogical nature of participation in these actions represents positive impacts on democracy.