What is democracy? Why do we need it as a nation?

On Wikipedia, Democracy is a political regime in which all eligible citizens participate equally — directly or through elected representatives — in proposing, developing and creating laws, exercising the power of governance through universal suffrage.

For Marina Slhessarenko Fraife Barreto, democracy is something more palatable and simple: It is the only political regime that gives citizens autonomy to decide on their own destinies.

“It is the only political regime that guarantees people to take charge of their own existence, in terms of political, social, economic, cultural decisions, etc…”, summarizes the USP researcher.

According to Marina, in Brazil, we live in a democratic political regime, where all citizens of age and capacity to vote decide together – through the politicians they elected – on proposals and the development of laws.

“Democracy guarantees, in terms of procedure, the possibility of continuing to choose your future. We may think that democracy, effectively and demonstrably, is the regime that guarantees greater access for people. "

Listen to an excerpt from the interview with Marina Slhessarenko Fraife Barreto from Lauft 👇

And what access does democracy allow?

Public health, education and income redistribution policies are part of a democratic regime.

“Speaking of a country with abysmal inequalities [Brazil], democracy gives the most vulnerable populations access to public policies. Citizens can even have access to public positions in a transparent way, have access to Justice, for example”.

Making an analogy, democracy is for a nation what air is for living beings: when there is no air, we die. When democracy is lacking, citizen rights die.

Listen to what researcher Marina Barreto says 👇

Shut up, journalist

“In a democratic environment there is an incentive for debate”, says Marina. For example, in Russia and Hungary – countries continually denounced for human rights violations – one of the biggest problems is that the government dominates public information and the press does not have freedom. All information is controlled by the government.

And, it says, which government is going to talk about its own frauds? 🤔

Recently, Russia closed newspapers and arrested journalists who reported true news that was not considered favorable to Vladimir Putin's government. This only happens in a country where democracy is not respected.

Putin even prevents press outlets from talking about the war in Ukraine. Can you believe?

In Brazil, a wave of attacks on the press, journalists and even research institutes is worrying. And when the press cannot be free to report what the powerful try to hide, democracy is shaken.

ANALYSIS: a cowardly attack against a journalist. And away from the cameras, what are these people capable of?

It is difficult to qualify the attack by state deputy Douglas Garcia, Bolsonaro supporter, against journalist Vera Magalhães in the TV Cultura debate, which took place this Tuesday, 13th, in São Paulo. Coward. Abominable. Criminal. Yes, that, and much more.

Datafolha researchers are harassed during survey

Last Tuesday alone, the Datafolha institute recorded ten cases of hostility and even aggression against researchers in different regions of Brazil. In August, in the capital of Minas Gerais, four men chased an interviewer who had to run, fell and injured herself. Journalists have also been targets of verbal attacks and threats from politicians and supporters who identify themselves as Bolsonaristas.

Amanda Klein's turn: journalist attacked by Bolsonaro receives solidarity on the networks

During an interview with Jovem Pan radio, President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) was angry with journalist Amanda Klein. “You are married to a person who votes for me”, said the head of the Executive after being questionabout the suspicions of corruption against his family. The episode had repercussions on social media. Journalists came to Amanda's defense, including Vera Magalhães, who was recently the target of another presidential outburst.

Warranties

In a democratic regime, we all have rights – regardless of sex, gender, age, social class or color. Only in a democratic regime does the population have transparency, guaranteed rights and access to justice.

Curto curation:

• What is democracy? (UOL)
• Democracia (Infoschool)
• What is democracy: learn in 10 minutes (Politicize!)
• Elections 2022: why the US is closely watching voting in Brazil (with the BBC)

See also:

Guide Curto Elections 2022

Who are the candidates for President? How does e-Título work? Can I take my cell phone to vote? Here, the Curto News compiles everything you need to know about the 2022 elections.

Nothing above it: what is a Constitution?

In this election period, there is nothing better than understanding our rights and duties. You may have heard that something is “unconstitutional” or that “it is guaranteed by the Constitution”. But after all, what is the Constitution?

Curto Explain: everything you need to know and are embarrassed to ask!😉

Click to see more explanatory content ⤴️