André, another excellent and enlightening post, thank you! I had not heard yet of Nikolas, and he is clearly a frighteningly gifted politician. We have an American saying that a politician is a "rainmaker," but this guy makes lightning!
The gerontocracies have to end--because they are dragging us into defeat. Biden, Trump, Schumer, and on and on. As to Lula, does Janja have Evita potential, do you think? This worries me.
Thank you so very much for recommending my post. It means a lot.
"As to Lula, does Janja have Evita potential, do you think?"
I don't think so. A role as the "new Evita" requires being seen by the masses as one of them. At present, Janja is viewed by a large part of Brazil more as a barrier between the president and the people than as a connection. Her influence is significant, but it is based on her personal relationship with Lula, not on a broad popular movement that supports her independently of him. As long as the aversion among the middle class and the conservative base remains so strong, an active political role (such as a bid for the governorship or the Senate) is a risky gamble that could cost the PT more votes than it would yield.
And then there is the perception of luxury:: While Evita defended her fur coats and jewelry as a symbol of the emancipation of the poor ("if I can wear it, you belong too"), Janja's lifestyle—such as the purchase of expensive designer furniture for the Alvorada Palace or her presence in luxury boutiques in Paris—is interpreted by critics as being out of touch with reality. In a country where purchasing power is under pressure, this fuels frustration over "expenditures at the expense of the state.
André, another excellent and enlightening post, thank you! I had not heard yet of Nikolas, and he is clearly a frighteningly gifted politician. We have an American saying that a politician is a "rainmaker," but this guy makes lightning!
The gerontocracies have to end--because they are dragging us into defeat. Biden, Trump, Schumer, and on and on. As to Lula, does Janja have Evita potential, do you think? This worries me.
Thank you so very much for recommending my post. It means a lot.
"As to Lula, does Janja have Evita potential, do you think?"
I don't think so. A role as the "new Evita" requires being seen by the masses as one of them. At present, Janja is viewed by a large part of Brazil more as a barrier between the president and the people than as a connection. Her influence is significant, but it is based on her personal relationship with Lula, not on a broad popular movement that supports her independently of him. As long as the aversion among the middle class and the conservative base remains so strong, an active political role (such as a bid for the governorship or the Senate) is a risky gamble that could cost the PT more votes than it would yield.
And then there is the perception of luxury:: While Evita defended her fur coats and jewelry as a symbol of the emancipation of the poor ("if I can wear it, you belong too"), Janja's lifestyle—such as the purchase of expensive designer furniture for the Alvorada Palace or her presence in luxury boutiques in Paris—is interpreted by critics as being out of touch with reality. In a country where purchasing power is under pressure, this fuels frustration over "expenditures at the expense of the state.
Such helpful analysis, thank you!