Crato Journal: Memória sustenta Lula – mas até os ídolos sofrem fadiga

Crato, a city in Brazil's Ceará state, is buzzing with political activity as voters prepare for the upcoming election. The Praça de Sé, located in the heart of the city, serves as a hub for discussions among locals, with topics ranging from the impact of Bolsa Família (a government social assistance program) to the contrasting visions of presidential candidates Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula.

Roberto Vidal, a mototaxi driver, argues that Bolsa Família encourages Brazilians to rely on government assistance instead of seeking employment. He counters with the fact that his wife is a teacher, his daughter is a nurse, and his son is a bookkeeper, yet they still do not qualify for the program. Máximo Antônio Oliveira, an elderly man who identifies as a loyal supporter of Lula, disagrees with much of Roberto's assessment.

The political climate in Crato is marked by a sense of fatigue, with many feeling that despite the constant political talk, Brazil is stuck in time. Despite this, Lula continues to be an icon in the region. In the last election, Lula received nearly 85% of the valid votes in the second round, compared to just 15% for Bolsonaro. This support is attributed to the significant improvements in infrastructure and social programs implemented during Lula's tenure, which younger generations grew up benefiting from.

However, this strong support for Lula is not without its challenges. There is visible resistance, particularly among the younger generation, who feel that the current government has not made significant strides. Carlos Eduardo Oliveira, a 24-year-old ice cream vendor, expresses disappointment in both Lula and Bolsonaro, stating that he does not believe there is an outstanding candidate capable of leading the country.

Similarly, Matheus Barbosa, a 35-year-old street vendor, also lacks enthusiasm for the current election, preferring a new political leader who could bring change.