The PT and Bolsonaro fall

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters after voting in the second round of municipal elections in Rio de Janeiro.Antonio Lacerda / EFE

The result of the second round of the municipal elections held in Brazil last Sunday represents a significant defeat for the president, Jair Bolsonaro, but also for the historic left-wing formation of the Workers Party (PT).

Both have seen how the electorate has clearly expressed a rejection of the most polarizing forces giving victory to the classic center-right.

With the presidential elections of 2022 in sight, it can be said that Bolsonaro has suffered a setback when he saw how all the candidates he has sponsored have been defeated.

In some cases in a noisy way, as in Rio de Janeiro.

Bolsonaro's setback must, however, be interpreted with some caution.

The current Brazilian president came to power following the populist dynamic of presenting himself as an anti-political candidate and does not have a party that allows him to project influence in the immense Brazilian territory.

In a municipal election, local interests come into play, and the party machinery, which Bolsonaro does not have, weighs heavily.

The result is a red flag for him, but with nuances.

In fact, in recent months their support has risen in some rural areas thanks to grants linked to the pandemic.

What is a bad sign for his interests is that the large cities, the political and economic engine of Brazil, have made their rejection clear to him.

On the other hand, the PT leaves the election as a resounding loser.

Immersed in a deep crisis for years, the party does not find a new course.

The referent of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva complicates his regeneration.

The phrase that was repeated like a mantra during his presidency - "Lula is the PT and the PT is Lula" - is now revealed as a dangerous prophecy that threatens to destroy the party that piloted the most brilliant period in the recent history of Brazil.

The former president projects the charisma linked to his remarkable past, but he also arouses enormous misgivings in much of Brazilian society.

Past corruption in the party and its support for the Chavista regime have a lot to do with the terrible result in the municipal elections.

The formation must undertake an urgent reflection, renew its strategy, weigh well the role that the former president will have to play in it, who is also currently unable to compete.

The result is that the center-right Social Democracy Party and a constellation of formations that have traditionally dominated the scene have made a strong comeback, adding a third actor for the two years remaining until the presidential elections.

Regardless of the vicissitudes of each political actor, the elections leave a great unfinished business that concerns all parties.

The very scarce presence of women.

Only 16% of the new councilors are.