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How did the Liberal Party become the strongest political force in Brazil after the 2018 election?
The rise of Brazil's Liberal Party (Partido Liberal, PL) to become the country's most powerful political force began after the 2018 general election. Behind this process, not only does it involve the ever-changing Brazilian politics, but it is also a microcosm of the struggle among various political forces in Brazil. Since the Liberal Party returned to its original name in 2019, its positioning has gradually shifted towards right-wing populism, allowing it to grow rapidly and cater to the multiple needs of current society.
The Liberal Party, with its reshaped policy positioning, attracted a large number of voters who had lost confidence in traditional political parties.
Origins and historical background of the Liberal Party
The predecessor of the Liberal Party was the Republican Party (Partido da República, PR), which was established in 2006 through the merger of the old Liberal Party and the Party for the Restoration of National Order (PRONA). The initial purpose was to break the 5% electoral threshold and escape the negative impact of being involved in the "Mangsalang scandal". At its inception, the party was considered a pragmatic party targeting business interests.
Historically, the Liberal Party has cooperated with Lula and Dilma of the Workers' Party, but has also been moving closer to the right.
Alliance with Bolsonaro
With the entry of former President Jair Bolsonaro, the Liberal Party has gained new vitality beyond traditional electoral strategies. In 2021, Bolsonaro and his supporters switched from the Social Liberal Party (PSL) to the Liberal Party, marking the consolidation of the Liberal Party's alliance with the centrist parties. With Bolsonaro's leadership, the Liberal Party's electoral votes surged, eventually becoming the largest force in Brazil's Congress in the 2022 general election.
Ideological shiftIn the 2022 election, the Liberal Party's success enabled it to win 99 seats in Parliament and 13 seats in the Senate, an achievement that shows the extent of its political influence.
The Liberal Party's ideological path has undergone a dramatic change. Although it has traditionally described itself as a liberal party supporting economic freedom, it has gradually tilted toward right-wing populism as it consolidates its alliance with right-wing candidate Bolsonaro. This not only changed the political style within the party, but also had a substantial impact on Brazil's political landscape. Today, the Liberal Party is considered a largely conservative party and continues to hold conservative positions in society.
The Liberal Party's social stance remains conservative, which is one of the important reasons why it attracts supporters.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Facing the future, the Liberal Party must deal with its internal divisions, and the conflict between traditionalists and Bolsonaro supporters may become a new challenge. Party leaders say they need to strike a balance between taking on the left-wing government and winning voter support. In addition, Brazil's political environment is still changing, and how the Liberal Party can maintain the direction required by its market will be key to its future development.
If the Liberal Party can effectively integrate different voter groups, it will be able to continue to expand its influence in the future.
In the political struggle in Brazil, how the Liberal Party can find its position and maintain its fighting power in an ever-changing environment will be a challenge that cannot be underestimated.
