Brusque Journal: Uma cidade bem bolsonarista, mas menos empolgada

Brusque, a city in Santa Catarina renowned for its textile industry, is known for being one of the safest cities in Brazil. Despite this, its political climate is subdued. The city boasts around 135,000 registered vehicles, with a population of 159,000 according to IBGE. Despite the presence of modest campaign materials, such as plates and banners for federal and state deputy candidates, there was no visible door-to-door campaigning during the visit of Brazil Journal to the city.

Bolsonarismo maintains a strong presence in the city, as Bolsonaro secured 78% and 87% of the votes in Brusque during the first and second rounds of the 2018 elections. However, this does not indicate universal satisfaction with the options on offer. Thayse Martins, who moved to Brusque to work, appreciates the city's opportunities but is not satisfied with Flávio, the candidate she sees as being handed to her "goel below."

She would prefer an alternative option, stating she does not want the left to continue in power. Osnildo Meechei, a truck driver, also plans to vote for Flávio, though he admits he is not his preferred candidate. Osnildo would like to see more competitive options but fears that voting for a smaller candidate would benefit the opposition.

Daniel Cadillac, an entrepreneur in the fashion sector, states that Bolsonaro's departure from office left the country "at the peak" and that Bolsonaro remains the primary reference for the right. Cadillac plans to vote for Flávio, believing him to be the best candidate and acknowledging Jair's support behind him. Many of these voters identify more with an idea of the world than a party label, focusing on working, growing independently, and reducing state dependence.

This perspective can also be seen when discussing income transfer programs like Bolsa Família. Josué Adilio de Souza, another truck driver supporting Flávio, argues that assistance should only go to those who truly need it, and those who can work should be encouraged to do so. Josué believes that assistance should be targeted at those who genuinely need it, and those who do not should be offered employment, education, and qualification opportunities.

Corruption is another factor contributing to the unease surrounding the election. Some right-wing voters express a lack of distinction between crime committed by left or right-wing parties, stating that those responsible should be penalized. Others maintain almost unwavering trust in the Bolsonaro family. Vice-prefecto Deco Batisti, also running for state deputy, admits that the ideological debate is not the main focus of his campaign but rather showcasing what has been accomplished in Brusque and what has been done well.

His campaign has focused on health, infrastructure, education, and reducing bureaucracy. Luciano Hang, a prominent business owner in Brusque, is one of the most recognized figures associated with Bolsonarismo. However, this year's campaign differs from previous years as Hang is no longer running as a candidate for president. He prefers to focus on advocating for his ideas, such as a smaller state, economic freedom, meritocracy, and conservative social norms.

Hang justifies his reduced presence in the election, stating that he prefers to focus on ideas rather than candidates. While there is disappointment with Flávio, there is also frustration among the few "leftists" in Brusque towards Lula. Ana Lina Schlindwein, a 21-year-old studying administration who identifies with the left, grew up in a right-wing family and tries to avoid political discussions at home.

Jane Rodrigues, who has lived in Brusque for two decades and works as a nanny, voted for Lula in 2022, hoping for an improvement in her life. However, she is not satisfied and now feels the need to work harder to maintain the same standard of living. Jane does not plan to repeat her vote for Lula but does not support Flávio either.