Brazil’s Democracy Ranking Falls Amid Polarization and Judicial Controversy

Brazil dropped six positions in The Economist’s 2024 Democracy Index, ranking 57th among 167 nations, now classified as a “flawed democracy.”

The report, released on February 27, attributes this decline to political polarization, judicial overreach, and lingering tensions from a failed coup attempt in 2022. Brazil now trails countries like Argentina and Hungary, reflecting broader global democratic backsliding.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which compiles the index, criticized Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) for actions perceived as undermining democratic norms.

During the 2024 elections, the STF temporarily suspended access to X (formerly Twitter). They also threatened heavy fines for users bypassing the ban through VPNs.

The report described these measures as unprecedented in democracies and harmful to freedom of expression. The two-month suspension disrupted access for millions of Brazilians to one of the country’s most-used platforms.

The STF also faced scrutiny for its ongoing investigations into misinformation campaigns targeting electoral institutions. Critics argue that these actions have politicized the judiciary, creating a chilling effect on free speech.

Brazil’s Decline in Democracy Index

Public sentiment reflects these concerns. A 2023 Latinobarómetro survey found that 64% of Brazilians believe freedom of expression is inadequately guaranteed, far exceeding the regional average of 45%.

Adding to Brazil’s challenges, new details emerged about a thwarted coup attempt in 2022 involving former President Jair Bolsonaro and military figures.

Prosecutors accused Bolsonaro and 33 others of plotting against then-President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and members of the STF. The case underscores persistent military distrust of civilian governance, even four decades after Brazil’s dictatorship ended.

Political violence remains a pressing issue. A man detonated a bomb near the STF in late 2024, further highlighting Brazil’s “worrying tolerance for political violence,” according to The Economist.

These dynamics contributed to declines in Brazil’s scores for “civil liberties” and “functioning of government.” These are two key categories in the index.

Globally, democracy faces significant challenges. The average Democracy Index score fell to a historic low of 5.17 in 2024. While Western Europe improved slightly, regions like Latin America saw declines driven by governance issues and political instability.

Brazil’s decline reflects deepening polarization and institutional strain. Experts warn that judicial overreach and political gridlock could further erode trust in democratic institutions. They stress that reforms must address these systemic issues to prevent further decline.

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