Right or left?

We continue to waste time discussing which political direction to take, left or right. It's a sterile, simplistic, and anachronistic debate. Generally speaking, the concept of right and left, which emerged during the French Revolution, is ceasing to represent ideologies (stricto sensu) and is beginning to signify a position or a place in society. With a simple gesture, it's easy to point out, in any language, who is on one side or the other.

The geographical arrangement of seats in the French National Constituent Assembly of 1789, which gave rise to the concepts of left and right, was transformed into doctrines upheld by theorists on both sides. The relevance of the construction of ideas that, over time, have helped shape the society in which we live cannot be denied. The problem today is the radicalization of these discourses.

In Brazil, we live with the sectarianism of both poles. Differentiating political positions has become a tool to further stimulate the division of society and the polarization of ideas and ideals. In my view, this clash between opposing groups buries what matters most, which is getting the country back on track and solving the problems of the community.

"In Brazil, […] differentiating political positions has become a tool to further stimulate the division of society and the polarization of ideas and ideals."

Left-wing and right-wing extremism share a common thread: anti-democracy, teaches us the Italian philosopher and historian of political thought Norberto Bobbio. The extremes meet, he warns in his book "Right and Left: Reasons and Meanings of a Political Distinction." In the work, the author reflects on the antagonism that animates both sides and also refers to the more moderate, but potentially centrist, position, which can lean towards one side or the other.

Antônio Lassance, a PhD in Political Science from the University of Brasília, argues that not all actors and organizations operating in the political sphere are necessarily from the left or the right. In general, he considers the left and right to be minorities. Obviously, everyone deserves to have their space respected, but the fact is that insisting solely on dogmas solves no one's problems.

Let's take the example of China, the largest communist country in the world, which, after the death of Mao Zedong, decided to abandon class struggle and set as its goal to be one of the most developed nations on the planet. A 100-year plan that is being realized in half the time. Due to a new political orientation, today's China calls itself a socialist market regime, where a good dose of the capitalist system prevails.

"Every day it becomes more evident that we must combat […] the fake news created to confuse and misinform […] (and) throw away yet another opportunity to try to build a national project."

Here, combining the concepts of socialism (left?) and capitalism (right?) seems like a sin. Take the case of businesswoman Luiza Trajano, owner of the Magazine Luiza retail chain, recently labeled by President Jair Bolsonaro and his political group as a socialist businesswoman because of the decisions she made in managing the company and her leading role in social causes and women's rights advocacy.

It is becoming increasingly clear that we must combat the rhetoric that only obscures the political landscape, the fake news created to confuse and misinform, and the "us versus them" narrative. Repeating shallow debate and the "anything goes" approach to seizing power for its own sake in these elections is to throw away yet another opportunity to try and build a national project.

We need to take advantage of the avenues for dialogue that democracy opens up for us to try to unite the different political poles and establish common priorities to begin building a new course for Brazil. Whether we go to the right or to the left is of little importance. What matters is starting the journey knowing where we want to go.

"I affirm to everyone that I am in favor of common sense and the search for solutions that meet the needs of those who most depend on public services."

In my public life, I am frequently confronted with questions regarding my ideological positions. Those on the right categorically believe I am on the left. Those on the left are absolutely certain I am on the right. To all I affirm that I am in favor of common sense and the search for solutions that meet the needs of those who most depend on public power.

I believe it is possible to build a more just and egalitarian society where everyone has the right to prosper and have their needs met. I am convinced that politics only makes sense if it serves to improve people's lives. It would be good to see the oratory that made the Roman Senate famous resurface in the political arena, when speeches and practices were for the public good and dedicated to what is in the common interest.