Failure of the Luiz Inacio’s Agrarian Reform in Brazil
Recently, a report has been published by various popular organizations denouncing the failure of the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding agrarian reform and land demarcation. The popular organizations criticize the lack of effective action against illegal land occupation and the violence perpetrated by big landlords, as well as the destruction of the environment. All these issues are driven by the impunity of latifundium in the Brazilian countryside.
The report highlights that the government has “no possibility in any case of fulfilling the planned goal” of the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) due to insufficient funding. In 2023, the PNRA inherited a budget of 256 million reais, with which no land was acquired for agrarian reform, and only 753 families were settled. For 2024, although 567 million reais were allocated, this amount is considered the lowest of all administrations of the Workers’ Party (PT). The organizations denounce that the government has limited itself to granting property titles to already settled peasants instead of acquiring new lands, resembling the practices of the previous government of Jair Bolsonaro.
Furthermore, the report indicates that illegal land occupations and land conflicts have increased; according to the Pastoral Commission of Land there were 2,203 recorded conflicts in 2023, the highest number since 1985. The violence carried out by paramilitary groups, such as “Invasão Zero” has intensified attacks against peasants, indigenous people, and Quilombolas. It is estimated that up to 50% of the national territory could consist of returned lands, many of which are illegally occupied. Criminal attacks by gunmen under the service of the big landlords, with the protection and collaboration of the military police, are systematic. This situation has created a climate of impunity that allows big landlords and their hired guns to operate without fear of repercussions. The “Invasão Zero” group has participated in attacks in the following states: Goiás, Maranhão, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Paraná, Pará, and Pernambuco. The states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Ceará, and Santa Catarina have also reported coordinated attacks by big landlords.
Regarding the numerous attacks and crimes committed by gunmen, we recommend that our readers visit the news published about the struggle for land and Brazil, where many translations and reports on these topics are available:
https://redherald.org/tag/struggle-for-land
https://redherald.org/tag/brazil
Peasant organizations explain that the government does not intend to deliver land to peasants, and the amount it does provide is decreasing, leading to growing discontent among social movements. Even the leader of the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST), João Pedro Stédile, has criticized the government, although without taking concrete actions. In contrast, the slogan of the Agrarian Revolution has gained importance, with massive protests in São Paulo condemning the destructive practices of the big landlords; the number of peasants organized by the League of Poor Peasants (LCP) is increasing, and new camps and land occupations are taking place.
