Jacobin Radio Dig: Brazil and the World System w/ Fernando Haddad
Nov 6, 2025
Fernando Haddad, Brazil’s Finance Minister and former presidential candidate, dives into the complexities of Brazil’s political economy. He links the crisis of neoliberalism to the rise of the far right, discussing the PT's strategies in response to Bolsonaro. Haddad advocates for a reconnection of the left with social class issues and emphasizes the importance of coalitions. He critiques global dynamics, particularly concerning BRICS and China’s role in development. He also calls for green industrialization and effective regulation of big tech as part of Brazil’s progressive future.
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Neoliberal Collapse Fueled Far-Right Rise
- Neoliberal collapse created a global political vacuum that the far right exploited.
- Fernando Haddad argues the left failed to present a new emancipatory program, enabling right-wing populism to grow.
PT's Seven Years Out Of Power
- The PT spent seven years out of power after a parliamentary coup removed Dilma Rousseff in 2016.
- Haddad recounts Operation Car Wash being used to block Lula from running in 2018 and shape that political moment.
Form Broad Coalitions Against Authoritarianism
- Build broad alliances including democratic center-right forces to defeat authoritarian far-right movements.
- Haddad says coalition government was necessary to recover social rights and democratic norms after Bolsonaro.
