REDEMOCRATIZAÇÃO *2: De Tancredo a Collor de Melo (Prof. Macari)

Summary

This video script covers Brazil's transition from military rule to democracy, starting with Tancredo Neves' election in 1985. It discusses key events such as the creation of the 1988 Constitution, economic challenges (including several failed economic plans), and the rise of Fernando Collor de Mello, Brazil’s first democratically elected president since 1964. The script also explores the controversial economic measures of the 1990s, the ensuing scandals, and Collor's impeachment in 1992. Through these historical moments, the video paints a picture of Brazil’s complex journey toward democracy and stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tancredo Neves, elected by the Electoral College in 1985, was the first step towards Brazil's transition from military dictatorship to democracy, but he passed away before taking office, and his vice president, José Sarney, assumed the presidency.
• 😀 The electoral system used in 1985 was indirect, meaning citizens did not vote directly for the president; instead, their elected legislators voted for the president, a process aimed at transitioning from the military regime.
• 😀 José Sarney's government (1985-1990) saw multiple economic plans (Cruzado, Bresser, and Verão) to combat hyperinflation, but they were largely unsuccessful, resulting in continued economic instability.
• 😀 Hyperinflation in the late 1980s reached an astronomical 1,764% annually, causing a dramatic loss of purchasing power for the Brazilian population.
• 😀 The Cruzado Plan of 1986 aimed to combat inflation by changing the currency from Cruzeiro to Cruzado, freezing prices and wages, but it ultimately failed due to a lack of effective control over inflation.
• 😀 The Bresser Plan (1987) attempted to adjust prices and wages but also failed to manage inflation and economic instability, leading to a persistent economic crisis.
• 😀 The Verão Plan (1989) introduced another currency change, but like the previous plans, it was ineffective in controlling inflation and was marked by the frequent revaluation of prices in stores.
• 😀 The Constitution of 1988, known as the 'Citizen Constitution,' marked a major shift toward democratic values and human rights, expanding rights for various social groups such as women, children, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities.
• 😀 The Constitution of 1988 established direct elections, voting rights for illiterates, and reduced working hours (from 48 to 44 hours per week), and it guaranteed equality under the law, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination.
• 😀 In the 1989 presidential election, Fernando Collor de Mello narrowly defeated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marking the return of direct elections after the end of the military dictatorship, with Collor's campaign focused on fighting corruption and 'hunting marajás' (wealthy bureaucrats).
• 😀 Collor's presidency (1990-1992) saw economic reforms, including market liberalization, privatization of state-owned companies, and tax increases, but his administration was marred by corruption scandals, including the involvement of his campaign treasurer PC Farias, which led to Collor's impeachment in 1992.

Q & A

What was the significance of Tancredo Neves in Brazil's transition to democracy?

Tancredo Neves played a pivotal role in Brazil's transition from military rule to a democratic government. He was elected by the Electoral College in 1985, marking the end of the military dictatorship. However, he died shortly before assuming office, and his vice president, José Sarney, took over as president.

What was the system of indirect voting in Brazil during the 1985 elections?

In the 1985 elections, Brazil used an indirect voting system, where the president was elected not by direct public vote, but by an Electoral College composed of legislators (deputies and senators). The Electoral College made the final decision on who would become president.

What were the main economic challenges faced by José Sarney's government?

José Sarney's government faced severe economic instability, including hyperinflation, high unemployment, and stagnant wages. Several failed economic plans, such as the Plano Cruzado (1986), Plano Bresser (1987), and Plano Verão (1989), were introduced to combat inflation, but none succeeded in stabilizing the economy.

What was the purpose of the Plano Cruzado introduced in 1986?

The Plano Cruzado, introduced in 1986, aimed to combat hyperinflation by changing the currency from the Cruzeiro to the Cruzado. It also implemented price freezes and wage increases indexed to inflation, but it failed to control inflation effectively and led to economic distortions like shortages and black markets.

How did the Plano Bresser (1987) attempt to fix the issues created by the Plano Cruzado?

The Plano Bresser, introduced in 1987, sought to correct the failures of the Plano Cruzado by reintroducing price adjustments and devaluing the currency. It also sought to address inflation by making further economic adjustments, but it too failed to stabilize the Brazilian economy.

Why was the 1988 Brazilian Constitution called the 'Constitution Cidadã'?

The 1988 Brazilian Constitution was referred to as the 'Constitution Cidadã' (Citizens' Constitution) because it was designed to safeguard the rights of diverse social groups. It expanded rights for women, indigenous peoples, the elderly, and marginalized communities, and was a critical step in consolidating democratic values in Brazil.

What were the key points of the 1988 Constitution that reshaped Brazilian society?

The 1988 Constitution established a democratic system with key reforms, such as the introduction of direct elections, the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, and the protection of workers' rights. It also emphasized equality before the law, promoted social justice, and addressed issues like racism, gender inequality, and indigenous rights.

What were the consequences of the Plano Verão introduced in 1989?

The Plano Verão, introduced in 1989, attempted to stabilize the economy by creating a new currency, the cruzado novo. However, it was another failure, as inflation remained out of control, and the plan led to further economic distortions, such as constant price fluctuations and an unstable currency.

How did Fernando Collor de Mello come to power in 1990, and what was his political stance?

Fernando Collor de Mello won the 1989 presidential election in a tight race against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Collor, who was elected as the 'hunter of marajás' (elites), ran on a platform of economic liberalization, promising to reduce the role of the state in the economy, privatize state-owned enterprises, and open up the market to foreign competition.

What led to the impeachment of Fernando Collor in 1992?

Fernando Collor's presidency was marked by corruption scandals, most notably involving his campaign treasurer, PC Farias. These revelations, along with allegations of illegal dealings with public companies, led to a massive public outcry. A congressional investigation resulted in his impeachment in 1992, where he was accused of corruption and abuse of power.