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Julianna De Paula

Journal 5

Bolsonaro: Lobbying Agriculture Votes for Brazilian Presidency

The past Brazilian president, Bolsonaro, made an executive order on indigenous land that

showcases the connection between lobbying, political power, and policymaking. This executive

order transferred the authority over identifying and registering lands traditionally occupied by

indigenous people to the Agriculture Ministry. Thus, this policy consolidates control over land

issues in the hands of a ministry historically aligned with the interests of agribusiness without

considering the negative impact on the lives of indigenous people in Brazil.

Based on the lecture, it is evident how lobbying is a way in which policymakers can

receive influence and money for their elections, and in Brazil, it was what happened when

Bolsonaro became president, as he leveraged the Agriculture Ministry to support his presidency

in 2021. Due to this policy, Bolsonaro received influential power from agricultural businesses

while not considering the negative implications that it would have on indigenous people, as they

lost their land, homes, and their social identity in Brazil. Therefore, due to this order, Bolsonaro

secured influence and support from the agricultural industry in Brazil, showcasing how lobbying

efforts from this sector likely played a pivotal role in influencing his presidency run.

Overall, similar to the example in class, Brazil is facing economic inequality like the

United States during the Trump Presidency. Presidents continue to focus on maximizing

influential power rather than concentrating funds on educational and fundamental citizen rights

for citizens. Unfortunately, that was the reality when Bolsonaro was the Brazilian President.