Notícias

Federalism can take Brazil away from political crisis

12/09/2007

*Thomas Korontai

Amidst the largest political and administrative crisis in Brazil since the redemocratization of the country, the Federal Executive reduces the problem to an outdated discussion between right and left, between the government of the rich versus the government of the poor. The opposition, on the other hand, follows suit, aping the official speech and giving up its agendas and ideals, pressed by the popularity rates of the President.

In the light of Federalism, the solution lies far beyond this dichotomy that lasted until the end of the 20th century. It is necessary to discuss the administrative reorganization of Brazil over more solid bases that will allow the economical development and the safeguard of individual freedom.

To make this possible, it is important to have strong parties, with well defined programs that leave behind politics of favors and political machinesas well as agreements of convenience. The plurality of parties is an essential factor for the democratic regime, and it only makes sense when there is an open debate of ideas among parties with really different programs. There must be no agreements based on political convenience, nor coalitions of right conservatives and liberal lefts or even communists. No wonder candidates who assume commitments with specific sectors of society find difficulties in their action in the Parliament.

The Federalist Party is entirely for free initiative, total respect to property rights and the environment, and for the recognition of the rights of the individual citizen, as stated in our program.

An overweight State as Brazil puts itself in an intricate situation that prevents our development: it centralizes political power and economic resources. To imagine and build a country where state and local authorities have competence to legislate on matters of civil, penal and tax laws, pensions, labor and administration, obeying democratic referendums, is the vision of the Federalist Party.

Federalism is not an ideology, but an organizational tool that allows the coexistence of many frames of mind in the ideological diversity of Brazil. In this new model, certain groups right or left-winged, including anarchists, might undertake their social experiements, with their respective sympathizers, with their own money and physical spaces, not expecting to use the state for that.

Those who reduce our problems to an armwrestling between right and left are doomed to watch opportunities pass by again and again. ▲

Thomas Korontai is the president of the Federalist Party (www.federalismo.org.br) and author of the books “Brasil Confederação” (Pinha Press, 1993) and “É Coisa de Maluco?” (Multidéia Press, 1998)

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