Statement by the Socialist Workers’ Current (CST), the IWU-FI section in Brazil
7 October 2026. The results of the first round of elections in Brazil revealed the magnitude of the challenge lying ahead. The far right demonstrated its social reach at the polls; backed by US imperialism—under the administration of Donald Trump, which has constantly intervened across the continent and in Brazil—it made significant electoral gains.
It is undeniable that Flávio Bolsonaro’s (PL) first-round victory over Lula (PT)—along with the strong vote counts for Nikolas Ferreira in Minas Gerais (who became the most-voted federal deputy in history) and Lucas Pavanato in São Paulo, among others—poses an immense challenge for our country in the coming weeks leading up to the runoff.
It is important to note that Flávio’s platform is openly reactionary. He is the only presidential candidate to have received funds from businessman Daniel Vorcaro; who faces investigations into numerous corruption cases and has ties to Rio de Janeiro’s paramilitary militias. He led the January 8th coup attempt, backs lowering the criminal responsibility age, attacks women’s rights, supports rights removal and privatisation, and defends the harsh “6×1” work schedule. Flávio has stated he wants to implement the economic model used by Milei in Argentina—a model that is driving people into destitution—here in Brazil. Furthermore, he is Trump’s ally, harbours anti-democratic intentions (such as granting amnesty to Jair Bolsonaro and the coup plotters), and aims to hand over our national wealth to imperialism.
How did we get here? It is a fact that, since taking office, Lula has governed in conciliation with the bourgeoisie; he retained ministers who supported the military’s stance—such as José Múcio—and allocated record funds to the *Plan Safra* (agricultural subsidy program), totalling over one trillion reais across his term. In other words, the agribusiness sector—which is not only linked to the January 8th insurrection attempt but also supports the Bolsonaro family and finances far-right campaigns—has grown even wealthier.
Environmentally, the government backed mining expansion, negotiated rare-earth mineral rights, tried to privatize northern rivers—defeated by Indigenous peoples—but approved oil exploration at the Amazon River mouth.
This government was also responsible for the dismantling of the postal service, other state-owned enterprises, and various sectors; it systematically cut funding for education, healthcare, and social programs; and it failed to approve an end to the gruelling “6×1” work schedule, opting instead to negotiate with the political “centre” and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre.
The PT government’s conciliation policy led to a loss by over two million votes against Flávio, requiring us to flip votes to win the runoff—a task we are already pursuing to defeat the far-right.
The CST calls for mobilisation and a critical vote for “13” (the PT ticket), in opposition to Flávio Bolsonaro and Trump!
The CST, having backed Hertz Dias (PSTU) with a working-class and independent stance from Lula, sees the urgent need to mobilise against the far-right at the polls. Despite all our differences with the government, we will campaign and call for a critical vote for Lula (13) to defeat Flávio Bolsonaro and Trump.
The FBP, FPSM, UNE, UBES, CUT, and CTB must call for a new “EleNão” [Not Him] mobilisation!
Various assemblies and demonstrations have been called. We believe it is necessary to throw our weight fully behind these initiatives, and we also recognise the need to organise the struggle to definitively bury the far-right. We advocate for building a new “EleNão” movement. The CUT, CTB, UNE, UBES, the Brazil Popular Front (FBP), and the People Without Fear Front (FPSM) must call for taking to the streets. The youth of Spain, Chile, and France have sent an important message and taught a lesson to Brazilians: only the streets—and the mobilisation of workers and young people—can defeat the reactionary far-right.
