MST Advocates Economic Overhaul, Agribusiness Taxation in Election Manifesto

Brazil's Landless Workers' Movement (MST) has unveiled a 15-point manifesto outlining its political and economic agenda for the current election campaign. The movement plans to field federal and state deputy candidates and support President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election bid.

A central tenet of the MST's platform is agrarian reform, including the expropriation of unproductive landholdings and those involved in environmental and labor law violations. Despite past criticisms of the pace of land distribution and resource allocation under Lula's government, the MST reaffirms its commitment to electing him and other left-wing officials dedicated to transforming Brazil.

The manifesto explicitly targets agribusiness, viewing it as an adversary. The MST advocates for a shift away from large-scale agriculture reliant on pesticides and ultra-processed foods. Key proposals include taxing the agribusiness sector and agrochemicals, and repealing the Kandir Law, which exempts exports from taxes. Economically, the movement calls for a significant overhaul, including challenging the current fiscal framework, restoring control over the Central Bank, and lowering interest rates. They also seek to ban betting platforms and increase oversight of banks and fintechs profiting from loans to public servants and retirees.

On the international front, the MST reiterates its support for traditional allies, pledging to mobilize efforts in solidarity with Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Palestine in response to perceived persecution by the United States and Israel.

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Assumimos a tarefa prioritária de eleger Lula, governos e parlamentares de esquerda comprometidos com a transformação do Brasil