Um lugar ao sol: o Partido Socialismo e Liberdade – PSOL – e novos arranjos políticos da nova esquerda

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the possibilities of building a new model of political party inspired in the experience of PSOL (Socialism and Liberty Party) having Rio de Janeiro as venue. This 12-year-old party presents itself as a new brand of politics whose concept stems from the recent left-wing conduct and social moves in today’s world. It contains a dense theoretical portion and presents an overview of party models and systems, taking a glance at the party’s founding documents; the constitution of PSOL and its connection with PT (The Workers Party) from the initial ground and how it guides the party’s path. Its layout and structure are analyzed in this thesis, especially the trends and masses, a more modern kind of youth social gathering which usually acts on specific agendas. The ‘new’ approach shapes today’s party activists who turn the party into an arena for expression at times rather than touch the social issues. PSOL stands for the identity and humanitarian agenda, enabling the participation of a series of acting organizations within. This maze of cells, trends and masses are also a huge challenge for the party. PSOL draws a special dynamics in Rio de Janeiro where it has secured a sizeable electoral performance, having run twice for the city mayor’s office, yet within the limits that the new electoral law states, which means the party has a long way to go growth wise in the city. Marcelo Freixo, State Representative, is one of the party’s main leaders who has stood out and gained ground with extensive and growing voting since 2006. He is the leading voice when it comes to broadening the participation and influence of the party by bringing notorious people to rallies and making such events a successful way found by Freixo and other representatives to elevate the status of the party. The idea of defining PSOL as an activist party is closely connected to this strategy. This research is done amidst the important dispute over the party’s next targets, and it also seeks to fathom PSOL’s place in Brazilian politics.