The French government finally announced yesterday a few concessions to the student movement. The government is anxious! Of course, these are far from enough, and the four main student unions call for increased mobilisation from the youth. Here are the concessions thus far, as per Le Monde, itself quoting the education minister:

A “major overhaul” of Parcoursup [the online government platform for students to be admitted in higher education, widely criticised as classist and racist] in 2027, ahead of “its replacement in 2028”.

The cancellation of the “836 job cuts that had been planned in the public secondary sector [middle- and high-schools]” as well as the creation of “500 additional teaching posts in the public secondary sector for lycées [high-schools]”.

Four billion euros will be lent at a “preferential rate” to renovate lycées and collèges [middle-schools]. The government is also planning a multi-year scheme worth one billion euros for the renovation of universities.

First-year high-school school classes will be limited to 28 pupils per class, initially in 50 per cent of the most disadvantaged secondary schools, before the limit is extended by 2028.

Fifteen thousand places will be created in higher education: 10,000 in BTS [technical] programmes, 4,000 in IUTs [also technical programmes] and 1,000 in healthcare courses.

Means-tested grants will be indexed to inflation in 2027, representing an additional 40 million euros in funding.

For the 2028 Parcoursup admissions round, the name of the student’s secondary school of origin will no longer be included.

These concessions are wildly out of sync with the demands of the student protests, but the government is likely betting that announcing this in the middle of the holidays (17th October to 2nd November) will help slow down the movement. I wouldn't bet on it, as it has now gone way beyond merely being a student movement, and the student unions themselves are requesting nothing less than their own 10 points as a basis for negotiations with the government (they've learnt from the mistakes of the last decade's student movements, I see!). These measures include: spending 10 billion euros^1^ to renovate schools (and adapt them to climate change), creating 250,000 new places in higher education, abolishing Parcousup immediately, and in the long term completely rethinking the rhythm of education etc.

^1^The 10 billion euros number is not mentioned in the linked demands, but it is regularly mentioned by student unions and student spokespersons as one of the flagship demands of the movement.

If you needed more proof of ACAB, here is a video from 24 October showing French policemen arresting a protestor who's been beaten up by fascist militias, leaving the fash alone of course.

Lula is now Khamas:
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2026/10/26/372639/

Hamas congratulates Lula da Silva on Brazilian presidential victory, praises support for Palestine

https://nitter.perennialte.ch/MenchOsint/status/2114845291027595361

Jordan's king instructed the air force to carry out retaliatory strikes on Syria following the church attack, but most victims are children and women.

Damascus has expressed concerns as the Jordanian airstrikes were carried out without any prior coordination with them

never ending nightmare of middle east without pan arabism continues

Evo Morales: "Lula! My dear brother and comrade in arms, congratulations on this beautiful and heroic victory! Your triumph renews the hope of the people who fight for social justice, dignity, and sovereignty. From Bolivia, we send you a revolutionary and fraternal embrace, with the conviction that a united Latin America is fundamental to building a world with peace, equality, and social justice. Long live the Brazilian people! Long live the Patria Grande!"

• Twitter

A Saudi C-130 ‘Hercules’ aircraft landed in Tehran, carrying Head of Turkish intelligence (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, and Pakistani Field Marshal Assim Muneer. Iran’s Foreign Ministry says the Mecca Pact delegation is visiting Tehran as part of an Iranian-led initiative aimed at ‘addressing Israeli expansionism’, the deteriorating situation in Lebanon and Palestine, and the consequences of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

• Middle East Spectator

Interim Venezuelan President, Delcy Rodriguez, congratulates Lula da Silva on his election as President of Brazil - Prensa Venezuela

::: spoiler Article

During the activation of the Comprehensive Medical Specialties Service for Women at the Dr. Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the people of Brazil following the recent election results over the weekend.

“I congratulate President Lula da Silva and the people of Brazil once again, because Brazil has given a lesson that neither extremism nor fanaticism of any kind can prevail,” Rodríguez stated.

The Venezuelan Head of State also highlighted the message that, in her opinion, Brazilian society conveyed to the region: "It is a healthy society that has sent a message to the world, and especially to the people of our Latin America and the Caribbean," she stated in her remarks to the national and international press. :::

After receiving praise from former Colombia president, Gustavo Petro, for his digital strategy, campaign leader André Janones makes himself 'available to help the global left' - BDF

'Humans won the battle against the bots,' said former Colombian president; congressman created 'Lula's Army' channel.

::: spoiler Article

Federal deputy André Janones (Green Party) was praised by former Colombian president Gustavo Petro for the digital strategy that contributed to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's (PT) presidential campaign. On social media, Petro stated this Monday (26) that Janones is “the genius behind Lula's victory”.

“[He] proposed an army of digital activists on WhatsApp and combined social media with street action as much as possible,” said the former Colombian president, referring to the “Lula’s Army” channel, which surpassed 10 million followers in the final stretch of the second round of voting.

"Humans won the battle against the fake bots of the world's super-rich, and the counting software was completely public," Petro pointed out.

The former president was the first leftist to govern Colombia, but he failed to elect a successor. Senator Iván Cepeda, an ally of Petro, lost the August elections to far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella by a margin of about 250,000 votes.

On social media, Janones thanked the former Colombian president and said that he too had been "a victim of the alliance between large far-right technology companies, which use economic power and digital platforms to attack democracy and manipulate the popular will."

“Know that you can count on me,” Janones offered. “I place myself at the disposal of Colombia, its people, and the world left to unite forces in the fight against the extreme right and eradicate once and for all the fascist threat from our countries and the world.”

Celebrating his victory in a speech to supporters on Paulista Avenue, President Lula praised "General" Janones and promised that social media and digital communication would have a greater role in his new government.

"I can guarantee that we will change the way this country is governed. We will make the people participate more in our decisions. Digital communication will gain a very large space in my government," he said. :::

Petro: "This is the genius behind Lula's victory. He proposed an army of digital activists on WhatsApp and combined social media with street protests to the fullest extent. Human beings won the battle against the fake bots of the world's wealthy elite, and the vote-counting software was entirely transparent."

Janones: "President Petro , you too have been a victim of the alliance between Big Tech and the far right, which uses economic power and digital platforms to attack democracy and manipulate the popular will. I have followed you for a long time and deeply admire your courage, especially your firmness in confronting US imperialism and defending the sovereignty of Colombia and all of Latin America. Know that you can count on me. I offer my support to Colombia, its people, and the global left to join forces in the fight against the far right and eradicate once and for all the fascist threat from our countries and the world. The fight for democracy knows no borders! Our America must remain united, free, and sovereign! A warm embrace from Brazil, Mr. President. We continue the struggle!"

• Twitter

it was a very exciting night in brazil. about 12 hours of excitement, because lula's current finance minister has just revealed a plan to fix all of brazil's economic problems: more austerity!

Lula's economic team is working on at least three fiscal adjustment measures: reducing tax incentives, rationalizing social benefits, and making an “internal” change to the constitutional spending floors for healthcare and education.

"rationalizing social benefits" i wonder what that means, it sounds very rational! an "internal" change to spending floors in basic services? well, as long as it's not "external", i'm good. my man is crazy to have a boric moment lmao

Lula's victory thwarts Trump's plans in Latin America and projects Brazil onto the global stage, according to a researcher - BDF

::: spoiler Article

According to Ricardo Leães, the reduction in abstentions was decisive for the turnaround and is even forcing far-right governments to acknowledge it.

Starting in January 2027, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) , re-elected this Sunday (25), will begin his fourth and final term after the historic turnaround over Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), who had emerged victorious in the first round.

Since the early hours of this Monday (26), there have been many public statements from heads of state around the world congratulating Lula on his victory. There was also great repercussion in the international press, highlighting the defeat of the far right and the strategies of using digital media, combined with popular mobilization to turn votes around.

In an interview with Conexão BdF on Rádio Brasil de Fato , Ricardo Leães, professor and researcher of International Relations, recalls that Lula has always been a highly respected statesman in his international relations, but considers his victory in the current context of Latin America and the world to be even more significant.

“Lula, in his two previous terms, had already built a very significant image for himself. We cannot ignore the fact that President Lula managed to defeat Jair Bolsonaro, the first president who failed to be re-elected in a context where there was manipulation of the electorate through public initiatives that were purely for electoral purposes, with voter suppression. And now he has managed to be re-elected also with several dirty tricks delivered by the enemy force, which is Bolsonarism,” he reflects.

Leães highlights the significant reduction in abstentions, which contributed to the increase in votes for Lula, much more than a vote-changing factor. "What we saw was a sharp decrease in the abstention rate. Without a doubt, it's a very significant success story. Lula's victory puts Brazil in the spotlight worldwide," he states.

With the exception of Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele, the other far-right presidents of Latin America, aligned with Donald Trump, quickly recognized Lula's victory. For Ricardo Leães, this speed is surprising.

“The stark reality is that Brazil is a fundamental country in Latin America. The election in Brazil was key for Donald Trump to achieve his plans to dominate our entire subcontinent and appropriate all our resources. Brazil was the missing piece for the materialization of Donald Trump's national security strategy. In other words, Brazil is indeed very important. So much so that, even for those countries governed by far-right individuals, not recognizing the elections in Brazil could be detrimental, because those countries also need Brazil,” he argues.

The White House had written a letter acknowledging Lula's victory, but Trump had not released it because of the election contestation by Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign, which, however, has now backed down. When questioned by journalists, Trump stated that he considered the extension suspicious, raised, using veiled words, the possibility of fraud, but concluded the statement by saying he "likes Lula."

According to Leães, there is a signal of acceptance of Lula's victory, while at the same time Trump needs to respond to the desires of the far right, not only in Brazil but throughout the world, that he is the quintessential conservative leader and that, therefore, he will always use these strategies to discredit the opponent's victory whenever possible. "I started to think that, like many Bolsonaro supporters in this election, who seemed somewhat ashamed to support Flávio Bolsonaro, it seemed more or less along those lines. Donald Trump, saying at first that the election was strange and all that, but that he didn't take sides, that he likes President Lula, was kind of already signaling exactly the path he will follow," he assesses. :::

Yemeni forces released more footage of recent drone strikes on Saudi troops along the border:

https://southfront.press/in-video-houthis-unleash-rajum-drones-against-saudi-forces-on-three-broder-fronts/

The congratulations continue coming...

President Putin congratulated President Lula:

"Dear friend, please accept my warmest congratulations on your re-election as President of the Federal Republic of Brazil," Putin's congratulatory telegram read.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20261026/putin-congratulates-lula-da-silva-on-re-election-as-president-of-brazil-1124939118.html

President Pezeshkian:

In a congratulatory message to Lula da Silva on Monday, Pezeshkian expressed hope that friendly ties between Iran and Brazil would further expand during the new presidential term.

He also called for enhanced cooperation between Tehran and Brasília in areas of common interest, saying such efforts would help serve the interests of both nations and strengthen multilateralism, development and international peace.

President Claudia Sheinbaum:

"Long live democracy! The people of Brazil have won. Congratulations, President Lula!" Sheinbaum wrote in a post.

https://www.presstv.co.uk/Detail/2026/10/26/779218/Iran-Brazil-Pezeshkian-Lula

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, "makes the L sign" and celebrates Lula's victory: "It's a breath of fresh air for Latin America and the Caribbean."

• Twitter

On Paulista Avenuem São Paulo, Lula da Silva requests the Brazilian Independence Anthem be played because "we are not anyone's colony." - Peoples' Hour News

::: spoiler Article

President Lula sang the Independence Anthem with his supporters on Avenida Paulista, late Sunday night (26), during the celebration of his victory in the presidential race and said that Brazil does not fit “in anyone’s backyard”.

The election was marked by external pressures and interference from the United States in favor of Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).

During the victory celebration, Lula repeated the gesture he had made the previous day, also on Paulista Avenue, and asked for the Independence Anthem to be played.

"Yesterday I was moved and I want to ask for the Independence Anthem to be played again, so they know that we don't belong in anyone's backyard," he said.

With strong social mobilization in the streets, with demonstrations throughout the country, and on social media, Lula managed to overcome the disadvantage he had in the first round and won the presidential election.

“I owe this victory to the rebellious youth who rose up in defense of democracy. I owe this victory to the women who rebelled against femicide. I owe it to the people who believe that ending the 6 x 1 pay scale is a benefit to Brazilian society. I owe this victory to the educators who believe that education is the best solution to make the country take a leap in quality. I owe this victory to each and every one of you,” the president told his supporters.

Lula stated that he will make his fourth term "the best term a president has ever had in the history of this country. This term will be the one in which I listen most to the Brazilian people about what they want me to do in this country."

He pointed out that he will universalize full-time education and ensure that Brazil masters Artificial Intelligence technologies. "We are going to train many engineers and mathematicians so that we don't fall behind anyone," he added.

Before beginning his speech, Lula invited the re-elected vice-president, Geraldo Alckmin, to speak and called him "the best vice-president a president could have in his life, the most upright, most honest, most loyal and hardworking".

Geraldo Alckmin expressed his gratitude to the young people who filled the entire country. The future begins today. Its name is youth! The former governor of São Paulo also thanked the elderly who went to vote and reduced abstention by almost 2 percentage points.

The state of São Paulo was fundamental in Lula and Alckmin's turnaround against Bolsonaro. While Flávio gained 1.2 million votes from São Paulo residents between the first and second rounds, Lula managed to win over 2.6 million.

On Paulista Avenue, Lula also thanked "General" Janones, who gathered almost 11 million people on the "Lula's Army" channel. "We won the first battle, the army cannot disperse. Our army is the army of dignity, democracy, education, and health," said the re-elected president.

Congressman André Janones told the crowd that "the next mission of this army is to give this man a final term worthy of his greatness, not only in Brazil, but in the world. We will give him 90% approval in Lula 4."

Lula defeated Flávio Bolsonaro with 64,256,232 votes (51.79%) against 59,826,041 (48.21%), a difference of more than 4,430,191. Between the first and second rounds, Lula gained more than 10 million votes. :::

The Hino da Independência (Portuguese for Independence Anthem) is a Brazilian official patriotic song commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Portugal. The anthem was composed in 1822 by Emperor Pedro I, the lead figure in the country's struggle for independence, and the lyrics were written by poet Evaristo da Veiga. It was used as the national anthem of Brazil until 1831, when the Emperor abdicated leaving the throne for his son Pedro II. It is still sung on Independence Day celebrations in Brazil.

Obamdani strikes again

NYPD in negotiations to use new AI-driven technology that will make it easier to track cell phones

The NYPD wants to adopt a new AI-driven technology that will act like a roving cell phone tower and help investigators quickly find suspects they are searching for — but critics worry it will help police track the whereabouts of innocent New Yorkers.

The new mobile surveillance system, known as FalcoNet, is a cell-site simulator that can be mounted on police vehicles or drones and can even be hidden in a backpack.

It’s run by Cognyte, an Israeli technology firm. The NYPD is poised to sign a three-year, $750,500 sole-source contract with Cognyte to use its tech.

A portable cell-site simulator mimics a real cell tower. As it rolls through a neighborhood, any nearby cell phone links up with the simulator, which captures each phone’s unique identification number, which can then be traced to its user.

Without acknowledging Lula's victory, Milei does the Six-Seven gesture in the Casa Rosada when asked about the elections; meanwhile former president and close ally of Milei, Mauricio Macri (Neoliberal) congratulates Lula - Times Brazil

::: spoiler Article

Javier Milei has not yet commented on Lula's reelection in Brazil, and the outcome of the Brazilian elections was not on the agenda of a cabinet meeting at the Casa Rosada. During the meeting, Milei reaffirmed his government's guidelines. The Argentine president also appeared on the balcony of the Casa Rosada making the "six seven" gesture. Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri adopted a different stance and congratulated Lula on his victory, wishing prosperity and growth to Brazil and the region.

Argentine President Javier Milei has yet to comment on Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election as President of Brazil. Even after the confirmation of the second-round results, the Argentine leader has not made any public statements acknowledging Lula's victory.

On Monday, Milei led a cabinet meeting at the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government. Despite the repercussions of the Brazilian elections, the subject was not discussed during the meeting, which focused on issues related to national administration and the international scenario.

During the meeting, the Argentine president reaffirmed his intention to maintain the political and economic orientation of his government. "We will not deviate one iota from the ideals of freedom," declared Milei, defending the continuity of the guidelines adopted by his administration.

According to information from the Argentinian newspaper Clarín, the meeting took place without the presence of Senator Patricia Bullrich, who has presented positions different from those of Milei regarding criticisms directed at the press and the rigidity of the economic model. Her absence occurred amidst disagreements between the two politicians.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Argentine Presidency reported that the ministers discussed national and international issues, paying special attention to the economic situation, the geopolitical context, and the government's legislative priorities.

The document did not mention Lula's reelection, keeping the subject out of the official communication about the meeting. This stance follows Milei's lack of statements regarding the results of the Brazilian elections.

Amid the political turmoil, Milei also appeared on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, where she made the gesture known as "six seven," associated with the trend known as "farming aura" on social media.

Unlike Milei, former Argentine President Mauricio Macri publicly commented on Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's victory. In a post on the social network X, Macri congratulated the Brazilian president on his new term and expressed his hope that the result would have positive effects for Brazil and other countries in the region.

"May your new term bring prosperity and growth to your country and also to the region," wrote the former president.

Macri's statement highlighted a difference in stance between the two Argentine leaders regarding the Brazilian election results. While the former president offered his congratulations to Lula, Milei remained silent and focused his public statements on the priorities of his own government. :::

Supreme Court Justice De Moraes orders the retention of Flávio's passport - Correio Braziliense

The decision came amid rumors that the congressman might leave the country to avoid further developments in investigations underway at the Supreme Court.

::: spoiler Article

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered the blocking of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's passport. According to sources consulted by Correio, the idea began to circulate after the presidential election results, in which he was defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and due to rumors that the senator might leave the country and not return to comply with court orders.

Flávio Bolsonaro stated that he received a summons to hand over his passports, this Monday (26), but did not give details about what type of order he received. The senator is being investigated in at least two inquiries in the Court. One of them deals with the film Dark Horse, which was sponsored by Banco Master, through the banker Daniel Vorcaro.

The other investigation involves lawyer Willer Tomaz, suspected of being part of a money laundering scheme. The crime allegedly occurred through sports betting companies. Flávio is a friend of the lawyer, but denies any wrongdoing. :::

Flávio says he was ordered by the Brazilian Federal Police to hand over his passport - OuL

::: spoiler Article

Senator and defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) said today that he was summoned by the Federal Police to hand over his passport. In a video posted on social media, he stated that the summons occurred after he visited his father, Jair Bolsonaro .

"Lula's Federal Police were at his house, and in the middle of the street I was ordered to hand over my passports and I am also prohibited from leaving the country. Alexandre de Moraes' decision was based on a statement Eduardo made on October 23rd, that I should leave the country if I lost the election." - Flávio Bolsonaro

Former federal deputy and brother of Flávio, Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL), said that the senator should leave Brazil if he loses the election. The statement was made during an interview on the program Louder with Crowder, presented by American commentator Steven Crowder.

Flávio lost the presidential election to Lula. The Workers' Party candidate won re-election with 51.79% of the vote against the senator's 48.21%—in the first round, Flávio took the lead with more than two million votes, but was unable to maintain the advantage. :::

Donald Trump claims the election in Brazil "appeared rigged," but says he "gets along well with Lula and likes him."

• Twitter

Breaking 🚨 Hedgehog without prickles made charity ambassador

Without presenting evidence, Trump says the election in Brazil 'appeared rigged' and claims he 'likes Lula' - G1

::: spoiler Article

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (26) that the election in Brazil "looked more like a rigged election," without presenting any evidence of irregularity. Following this, the US president stated that he "likes Lula" and that he gets along well with him.

“I didn’t take sides, but it looked more like a rigged election,” Trump said, without presenting any evidence. “To me, it looked very bad.”

The result of the 2nd round was confirmed by the president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Minister Kassio Nunes Marques , on Sunday night (25).

Lula defeated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) in the vote on Sunday (25), which marked the first time in history that a candidate is elected after having come in second place in the first round. The president obtained 51.79% of the valid votes, while Flávio got 48.21%.

On the eve of turning 81, which will happen next Tuesday (27), Lula became the first president of Brazil to be elected four times by popular vote. :::

Gas update (using AAA US national average)

Regular Current - 4.28

Regular Highest Recorded (6/15/22) - 5.02

Diesel Current - 6.34

Diesel Highest Recorded (9/22/26) - 6.52

https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Boulos says he will request the arrest of São Paulo Mayor, Ricardo Nunes (Far-Right), due to the lack of buses in São Paulo. The Minister of the General Secretariat of the Republic and the "Brazil Ready for More" coalition, led by President Lula (PT), accuse the São Paulo City Hall of operating with a smaller fleet - CNN

::: spoiler Article

The Minister of the General Secretariat of the Republic, Guilherme Boulos (PSOL), stated this Sunday (25) that he will request the arrest of the mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes (MDB), due to the lack of buses in the capital. The "Brazil Ready for More" coalition , supporting President Lula (PT), accuses the São Paulo City Hall of operating public transportation with only 60% of its fleet during the second round of the presidential elections.

In a post made on X (formerly Twitter) on the afternoon of this Sunday (25), Boulos stated that he will also ask the TRE-SP (Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo) for the arrest of the Municipal Secretary of Transport. "There's already the precedent of Salvador. They won't stop the people from voting with underhanded tactics!", he said.

On Saturday (24), the judge of the 1st Electoral Zone of São Paulo, Tiago Ducatti Machado, determined that the city should make 100% of the fleet available to the population this Sunday. The decision was based on TSE Resolution 23.751/2026, which requires the provision of urban public transport on voting days with the same frequency as on weekdays.

However, this Sunday (25), the Brasil Pronto Pra Mais coalition claims to have received complaints of few buses circulating in the capital of São Paulo, which would make it difficult for voters to get to the polling places. According to the petition, neighborhoods in the East Zone, such as Itaim Paulista, would be among the most affected.

The petition sent to the Federal Court is signed by Monica Cristina Bonfim, known as Monica das Pretas (PSOL); Sâmia Bomfim (PSOL); and Luana dos Santos Alves da Silva.

The coalition requests "the immediate notification of the Municipality of São Paulo and SPTrans, by the most expeditious means, to restore the operation of 100% of the bus fleet until the end of voting and the return of voters."

In a statement sent to CNN Brazil , the São Paulo City Hall criticizes the decision for having been made "less than 24 hours before the election," but affirms that it will comply with it.

“The City Hall, the Municipal Secretariat of Urban Mobility and Transportation (SMT), and SPTrans will comply with the court order, even though it is unnecessary, and has already notified the concessionaires. Now, they have less than 12 hours to mobilize their workforce and locate more than 10,000 workers and deprive them of their right to time off, even putting their right to vote at risk, since the staggered schedule had already been planned,” the statement says.

According to the Ricardo Nunes (MDB) administration, in the first round of voting on October 4th, 6,900 buses circulated in the city, with a 40% increase in the fleet, to meet a demand of 3.4 million passengers. The same plan was in place for this Sunday.

Contacted by CNN , the TRE-SP (Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo) stated that, so far, no situation has been reported that could compromise the exercise of the right to vote.

"The election is proceeding normally and voters are arriving at their polling places. However, should any voter encounter difficulties, the recommendation is to report the issue to the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office," the statement added. :::

Bolsonaro supporters flood Trump's profile after defeat by Lula: 'Help'. Flávio Bolsonaro's supporters call for military intervention in Brazil - O Globo

::: spoiler Article

Unwilling to accept Flávio Bolsonaro’s defeat at the polls on Sunday (the 25th), supporters of the Bolsonaro movement flooded Donald Trump’s social media account and called on the U.S. president—an ally of the senator—to intervene in Brazil.

The comments were made in response to a random post by Trump about the 40% reduction in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Brazilians began writing messages such as “SOS Brazil,” “Trump, come to Brazil and bring justice,” and “Brazil is crying out for you. Please help us.” In one of the posts—believe it or not—a user even called for a military coup: “Military coup, please.” Others complained about the Brazilian government and compared Lula to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. :::

Senator Damares (Far-Right): 'If we don't win the election, Bolsonaro will die in jail'. The senator stated on her social media that Michelle canceled a campaign commitment for the Senate because the former president "wasn't feeling well." - Estado de MInas

::: spoiler Article

Former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) felt unwell at home this Friday (October 2nd), according to Senator Damares Alves (PL-DF). The parliamentarian reported the episode in a video posted on Instagram and said that, for this reason, former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro did not attend a campaign event scheduled for 1 pm in Brasília.

Damares said that Michelle ended up participating in the meeting via video call and that she appeared to be downcast. According to the senator, the former first lady cried during the connection. "It was one of the saddest moments I've ever seen Michelle," she stated. As of the last update of this report, neither Bolsonaro's family nor his defense team had publicly commented on the former president's state of health. :::

Venezuelan government and PSUV welcome Lula's victory in historic turnaround in Brazil - Brasil de Fato

Press releases highlight the popular mobilization in the election and advocate for peace and sovereign cooperation in the region.

::: spoiler Article

Shortly after the victory of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) was confirmed in the elections this Sunday (25), the Venezuelan government congratulated the Brazilian population for the expressive demonstration of citizenship at the polls. The document reaffirmed the commitment to maintain historical neighborly relations and cooperation, based on respect for sovereignty, self-determination of peoples and solidarity among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"The people of Brazil gave a resounding demonstration of civic and democratic participation. Venezuela reiterates its willingness to continue the historic ties of neighborliness and cooperation with Brazil, under the principles of peace, unrestricted respect for sovereignty, self-determination of peoples, and Latin American and Caribbean solidarity," the statement said.

In turn, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) expressed admiration for the popular movements, youth, workers, and political forces gathered in the Brazil Federation of Hope, especially the Workers' Party, which it refers to as its "sister party."

"We salute the resistance and organization of our sister party, the Workers' Party — which knew how to interpret the historical aspirations of the Brazilian working class — as well as the PCdoB, our allied organization, and all the political forces that united around the Brazil Federation of Hope to consolidate the victory," the text states.

"Above all, we express our admiration for the popular movements, the youth, the workers, the women, the peasants, the indigenous peoples, and all that impressive, joyful, and combative crowd that took to the streets and managed to lead the process through an institutional and peaceful means," he adds.

The party organization ratified its intention to stand alongside the Brazilian people under the principle of Latin American fraternity.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the struggles and aspirations of the Brazilian people, whom we will continue to support with the spirit of fraternity and respect that characterizes the Bolivarian internationalism of the 21st century," concludes the PSUV statement.

President Lula's re-election was unprecedented in the country's recent political history. After trailing in the first round of the presidential race, the Workers' Party candidate defeated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the second round. The re-elected president garnered 51.76% of the valid votes, compared to 48.24% for his opponent. The abstention rate was 19.21%, while blank and null votes totaled 3.24%. :::

• PSUV

• Venezuelan Goverment

Now Flávio lost I can comment about what goverment he wanted to make;

His entire plan was to sabotage BRICS, as well as send Brazilian arms to Ukraine and the US's Middle East allies. He wanted to sell Brazilian rare minerals to the US, and I quote, "so the US is not dependent on those Chinese." He also planned to host NATO and American bases in Brazil, and to allow foreigners (specifically Israelis and Americans) to buy land in Brazil. Furthermore, he wanted to remove the rights of Indigenous peoples and Afro-Brazilians (some of whom have their own communities dating back to colonial times). He intended to dissolve the Brazilian cinema organization, the universal healthcare system, the state military and air force defense industries, and the state oil company. Most dangerous of all, he wanted to change the constitution to establish a six-year mandate instead of a four-year term, as well as curb the power of the Supreme Court by expanding it and adding more judges.

One of the reasons he lost, the main one being that the Brazilian people rejected fascism and organized against it, is that Flávio was openly mocking Lula da Silva. Despite being 80 years old, Lula is a fighter who never gives up, he is not Biden, who is a dementia-ridden Zionist asshole. Lula is a leader who fought against the military dictatorship, was arrested, and won, having originally started running for office at the suggestion of Fidel Castro. Flávio mocked Lula for losing a finger in a factory workplace accident (a job Lula started when he was 14 years old), and he mocked the way Lula speaks (Lula had throat cancer and beat it). While Lula was proposing that Brazil develop its own drones, railways, and even AI, Flávio claimed that was all a waste of time, arguing instead that Brazil should focus on sex tourism and general tourism (something his father was proud of) so Europeans and Americans would pay Brazilians in US dollars and euros.

Flávio thought so much that he had already won that he was already choosing his own ministers and secretaries. He said he would remove the leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and replace them with members of his own party. He was inviting Bibi, Trump, Milei, and Abelardo to his inauguration. He announced he was going to remove all Supreme Court justices except two (the ones his father appointed) and replace them with his campaign manager and other bizarre figures. Finally, he stated he was going to eliminate all standard work schedules, replacing them with "workers negotiating directly with their bosses" and that he planned on abolishing the Labor Court System entirely.

I think most people here can imagine how Lula's goverment will be like, but there are some new stuff like the modernization of the Brazilian army and the Terrabras (Brazil's own rare minerals state company) both proposals that have been supported by Lula, the communists and the Legalist Faction of the Army.

Pro-Lula supporters force Military Police to retreat on Paulista Avenue, São Paulo. Officers were deployed to various points along the avenue to pressure the supporters and are now retreating.

• Twitter

A few weeks ago:

Benjamin Netanyahu calls Brazil a “small country” and hint that he is going there again on the inauguration of Israeli-backed Bolsonaro who won the first part of the elections: “We went to a small country called Brazil, to the inauguration of President Bolsonaro. Who knows? We may do it again.”

• Twitter

Lula speaks for the first time after victory: 'We are going to change the way we govern, we are going to make the people participate more' - Brasil De Fato

::: spoiler Article

The president also criticized big tech companies, linked Flávio Bolsonaro to militias, and said he will govern with Congress.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) spoke for the first time after his electoral victory this Sunday (25). The PT member promised to “change the way this country is governed”.

"I can guarantee that we will change the way this country is governed. We will make the people participate more in our decisions. Digital communication will gain a very large space in my government," he said.

Commenting on the electoral process, Lula criticized the actions of the large digital platforms, the big tech companies, and stated that his government should move forward with the regulation of these companies. According to him, the campaign was marked by attempts at external interference in the election results.

“In this election, we had to overcome interference from the outside in, through digital platforms, which we will have to regulate,” he stated. “It’s impossible that we are unaware that crime in the digital world must be treated the same as crime in real life. We cannot have monstrous, large companies earning billions and paying no taxes to this country, trying to manipulate the electoral outcome of this country,” he added.

The Workers' Party candidate also criticized his defeated opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, whom he associated with "militia-like activity," and described the election result as a defeat for denialism and disinformation.

“This election was a defeat for denialism, for lies, and I confess to you that every time I went to the debate, I felt embarrassed, because I have debated with many people, I have participated in many elections, I meet every year with BRICS, G20, G7, I discuss the main issues of the world, but I never thought I would come face to face with a genuine representative of the militia-like behavior of this country,” said Lula.

The president especially thanked the youth, the elderly, and the activists who participated in the campaign. He also highlighted the role of federal deputy André Janones (Rede-MG) in the digital mobilization of his supporters during the second round.

"I want to thank our comrade Janones, our general, who played an exponential role in this campaign to raise the morale of our troops," he stated.

Lula also praised Vice President Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), who will remain by his side in the next term. "Happy is the president who has a vice president of the quality, integrity, and loyalty that I have in Alckmin," he said.

Among the priorities announced for the next government, Lula highlighted the expansion of policies to care for the elderly population, the empowerment of women, public education, and the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS).

"I have to govern for 215 million people, of all ages, but in the next term, I will take the policy of caring for the elderly very seriously," he stated.

In education, the president promised to expand full-time schooling and create a university version of the "Pé-de-Meia" program. He also advocated for investments in scientific and technological training to reduce Brazil's dependence on foreign technologies.

"We want to universalize full-time schooling in high school, we will create a university nest egg program so that no young man or woman gives up studying because they have to work," he declared.

"We're going to teach more math and engineering because I don't want to depend on American or Chinese AI; I want to create a Brazilian one," he added.

The president also commented on the composition of the National Congress and rejected the assessment that he will face difficulties governing due to the conservative profile of the elected parliamentarians.

"Some people are already saying that I'm going to have a lot of difficulty governing because it's too conservative. I didn't choose Congress, the people chose it, and it's with them that I'm going to work to get things approved," he stated.

Lula also said that he intends to hold meetings with representatives from different sectors of society before the start of his new term, including business leaders, educators, scientists, and women.

"I have two months ahead of me to discuss the government. I want to meet with business leaders, educators, scientists, and women," she declared. :::

Senior officials from Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have begun a four-way meeting in Tehran, hosted by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.

Participants include Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Twitter - @clashreport (Video)

Without parliamentary immunity and in the crosshairs of the Justice system: Flávio Bolsonaro will be out of public office for first time in 20 years starting in 2027 - Brasil de Fato

::: spoiler Article

The son of the former president perpetuated himself in Rio de Janeiro politics for over 20 years, following in his father's footsteps.

With the historic election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) last Sunday (25), Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) will be without a public office for the first time in over 20 years. Flávio served three consecutive terms in the Legislative Assembly of Rio (Alerj), from 2003 to January 2019.

From the beginning of his political career, he won elected positions in Rio de Janeiro politics following the influence of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Before being elected state representative, there is a record that Jair's eldest son was a ghost employee of the Chamber of Deputies between 2000 and 2002. At the time, at 19 years old, he held multiple jobs incompatible with a 40-hour work week in Brasília: attending law school in person and interning in Rio de Janeiro.

The appointed position close to Jair's office in the Chamber of Deputies was one of the topics discussed in the episode "Flavinho de papai" (Daddy's Little Flavinho), from the series Revelando, presented by MC Cabelinho.

In the 2018 elections, when his father was elected president, Flávio rose to the position of senator of the Republic. His term ends on January 31, 2027. Since he did not run for the Senate and lost the presidential race to Lula, Flávio will be without an elected office.

During the campaign, Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG), one of Flávio's main allies, mocked Fernando Haddad (PT-SP) and Simone Tebet (PSB-SP) backstage at the Band presidential debate. "The two of them are unemployed here," he said.

Starting February 1, 2027, Carlos Portinho (PL) and Carlos Jordy (PL) will take office to represent Rio de Janeiro in the Senate. They will join Romário, the state senator who left the PL in August 2026.

In addition to his political career, Flávio Nantes Bolsonaro, 45, holds a law degree and is registered with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). He is also a businessman.

Flávio is being investigated by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on suspicion of money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption. With this defeat, the expectation is that the investigation will advance into possible crimes related to the R$ 134 million deal with Daniel Vorcaro of Banco Master to finance the film "Dark Horse," a tribute to former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Had the senator been elected president, there was a possibility of the case being dismissed. The Federal Constitution stipulates that, during their term, the head of the Executive branch "cannot be held responsible for acts unrelated to the exercise of their duties."

This would cast doubt on any potential accusations of crimes committed outside of his presidential term. Flávio's relationship with lawyer Willer Tomaz de Souza is also under suspicion. The Federal Police (PF) is investigating whether Tomaz used operations in betting houses to launder money. Between January 2025 and July 2026, the lawyer wagered R$ 6.6 billion and suffered losses of R$ 188.5 million.

The investigation took a new turn in the final stretch of the presidential campaign. Regarding the case, Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign claims that the senator was not formally under investigation by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and disputed the existence of any banking link with the lawyer or his companies. In a previous statement, Flávio declared that his relationship with Tomaz is one of friendship.

Flávio also denies any irregularities in the financing of the film about his father's life. According to the Federal Police, part of the funds for "Dark Horse" were allegedly diverted to a real estate fund in the United States managed by lawyer Paulo Calixto, a friend of Eduardo Bolsonaro. :::

China, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Germany, France, Japan, South Africa, Australia and even Colombia recognizes Lula's Victory

::: spoiler Tweets

Colombia: "In the Colombian presidential campaign, President Lula openly supported Iván Cepeda, and I won. In the Brazilian campaign, I supported Bolsonaro, and Lula won. Neither Lula decides for Colombians nor do I decide for Brazilians. THE PEOPLE DECIDE! And when the people speak at the ballot box, their will is respected because it is sacred. That is what democracy is all about! President Lula and I have great and profound political and ideological differences, but we agree on something fundamental: Brazil and Colombia need each other. No consideration can take precedence over the interests of our nations. Colombia and Brazil are sister countries, with enormous shared challenges and opportunities. We have much to do and work on for the benefit of our people. Mutual respect, sovereignty, and cooperation must define our relations, as well as the fight against narcoterrorism and illegal mining, the protection of the Amazon, and the well-being of our citizens. Stand firm for the Fatherland! Long live Christ the King!"

• Twitter

Ukraine: "The election campaign in Brazil was intense, and many around the world closely followed its developments, key moments, and statements. For us in Ukraine, it is important that Brazil remains active in international affairs and continues to contribute to the effective protection of human rights, the rights of peoples, and the rights of states. We thank Brazil for its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We look forward to expanding our cooperation and congratulate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his remarkable election results."

• Twitter

Sweden: "Congratulations Lula on your re-election as president of Brazil. 200 years of bilateral relations between Sweden and Brazil are a testament to our strong partnership. Let us continue the work with our strategic partnership, built on a shared commitment to trade, innovation, defence, democracy and multilateralism."

• Twitter

South Africa: "On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula and the people of Brazil. This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world. We affirm our commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries and working closely together in all multilateral fora to forge a just and better world order underpinned by solidarity and adherence to international law."

• Twitter

Japan: "Following the announcement by the Brazilian election authorities, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Lula of Brazil on his re-election. I look forward to President Lula continuing to lead Brazil with his strong leadership. I also look forward to further deepening the strategic global partnership between Japan and Brazil in a wide range of fields, including advancing the Japan-Mercosur EPA negotiations."

• Twitter

Australia: "Congratulations to my friend Lula on your election victory. Australia and Brazil are great democracies, and we’ll keep working together and building on our partnership."

• Twitter

Germany: "Brazil, the largest democracy in Latin America, has voted. I congratulate the election winner, Lula . I look forward to further deepening the strategic partnership between Germany and Brazil."

• Twitter

China: "China takes note of the announcement by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court of President Lula’s runoff victory and extends congratulations. China stands ready to work with Brazil to advance the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future"

• Twitter

Russia: "Dear friend, please accept my warmest congratulations on your re-election as President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The election results fully confirmed your fellow citizens' recognition of your remarkable leadership qualities, your support for the country's ongoing policy of sustainable socioeconomic development, and the protection of its sovereignty and legitimate interests on the global stage"

• Source

France: "Congratulations Lula on your re-election. France and Brazil have much to build together. Faced with the major challenges of our time, let us strengthen our strategic partnership and nurture the friendship between our two countries in service of a more just world."

• Twitter

Iran: The President of Iran issued a message congratulating Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his victory in the Brazilian presidential election and expressed hope that the friendly relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Federative Republic of Brazil will expand further during the new presidential term.

• Twitter :::

https://t.me/mintpress_news/16064

Iran Is Granting Girls In Azerbaijan The Right To Education After Hijabis were Banned From Attending School

The Iranian Minister of Science said that the Islamic Republic will open up the way for their education without any hurdles.

Azerbaijan’s pro-Israel government has banned Hijabis from receiving an education & triggered mass protests from its majority Muslim population.

Qatar lays out plan to ‘revive’ Lebanon's neglected energy sector

Lebanon’s decades-long energy crisis is worsening amid continued war and Israeli occupation in the south, while reconstruction funds have been tied to Hezbollah’s surrender

CW blood

Handala hacking group announced that it hacked the Israeli military's medical unit and leaked hundreds of records containing medical staff details, internal correspondence, and combat medical protocols.

North Korea says mine explosion in Demilitarized Zone 'fabrication' by South

::: spoiler Article

North Korea told the UN Security Council that the mine explosion was a "sinister obstructive move" by South Korea aimed at portraying Pyongyang's border fortifications as a military invasion.

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea's permanent representative to the UN sent the letter to the Security Council president on Sunday.

The letter came amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula after three South Korean soldiers were wounded in a mine explosion on September 21.

Seoul blamed Pyongyang for the incident and called for the restoration of military talks. North Korea rejected the claims and has yet to respond to South Korea's offer to resume communication.

North Korea's letter described the mine explosion as a "sinister obstructive move" by South Korea aimed at portraying Pyongyang's border fortifications as a military invasion.

It also said Seoul is attempting to delay the fortification work and evade responsibility for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The letter said the fortification of North Korea's southern border was a "legitimate and just exercise of its sovereignty" in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Pyongyang described the work as a defensive measure against external threats of aggression.

"If the RoK violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DPRK despite our warnings, the former will be held wholly accountable for all the ensuing consequences," read the letter.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is North Korea's official name, while the Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea.

The exchange came as South Korea and the US began joint air drills on Monday, a day after Yonhap News reported that North Korean troops were seen conducting drills with a self-propelled howitzer in coastal border areas of Hwanghae province.

The two-week Freedom Flag exercise is being held at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southwest of Seoul.

Some 39,000 US military personnel are stationed in South Korea under a mutual defense pact.

The 1950s Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.

:::

Kill Israel

Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić ousted by student movement in seismic election

Not familiar with Serb politics so maybe someone can give a good summary of whatever this "student's list" thing is.

Eric Bauza 'Looney Tunes' Actor Dead at 46

His family wrote ... "Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly. More details to come."

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Eric died Sunday at his home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a heart condition linked to high blood pressure. His death was ruled natural.

Sleep apnea and class 2 obesity were also noted as significant conditions.

MPN Telegram CW NSFW Death / blood video

ISIS Terrorist Attack On A Church In Jordan Has Killed 7 & Injured Dozens. The takfiri terrorists fled the scene and are being pursued by the Jordanian security forces.

Horrifying scenes have emerged

Protests against electoral fraud continue in India

::: spoiler The civil society and opposition political formations have denounced the government’s repeated attacks on the right to protest and the compliance of the country's judicial system with the government’s oppressive moves.

Thousands of protesters marched to the headquarters of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi and to other government offices in several cities across India on Friday, October 23, as part of the ongoing nationwide demonstrations against alleged electoral fraud and manipulations.

Protesters in Delhi carrying the national flag shouted slogans against the election fraud and the attacks on people’s right to vote, right to protest, and basic democracy in the country. They were stopped by the security forces deployed in large numbers who had barricaded all the routes leading to the ECI office hours before the protests began. Some of the protesters were also detained.

Similar protests were held across different parts of the country on Friday and earlier this week. The protests in Delhi were called by People Against SIR, a group of over 300 organizations formed recently to coordinate ongoing protests. The group includes major trade and farmers unions, student and youth movements, and other sections of civil society.

A large number of farmers also participated in the protests which have been ongoing since the beginning of the month and are expected to intensify in the coming days as all opposition parties and civil society groups have already called for a large demonstration in Delhi on November 1 over the failure of the government to respond to their demands so far.

The march on Friday was converted to a public meeting after it was stopped by the security forces. Several people addressed the protesters, pointing out the complete disregard to the basic rights of citizens by the Narendra Modi-led government.

Some of them also questioned the legitimacy of the ultra-right-wing government, claiming it was a result of a stolen mandate. Undeclared emergency

The Narendra Modi government has imposed an undeclared emergency in the country by making it an offense to wave the national flag, arresting activists, and letting the police and pro-regime thugs repeatedly attack protesters, women and journalists, People Against SIR said in a press release on Thursday.

The failure of the constitutional institutions, including the Supreme Court of India to intervene against the blatant misuse of state power and their failure to protect the basic rights of the people confirms the state of democracy in the country, it underlined.

Two leaders of the CJP were sent to seven days of judicial custody after they tried to unfurl the national flag in central Delhi last week in an attempt to resist the government’s clampdown on the protesters.

Hundreds of people, mostly young activists, have been detained, and beaten by the security forces since the beginning of the protests. Several of the women protesters and journalists have complained about police and pro-government thugs molesting and beating them during the protests.

The government has repeatedly used sections of the law to restrict movement and barricaded the central parts of the capital city for weeks now. India cannot be allowed to become a police state

The protesters decried the restrictions imposed by the government against protests in the capital and other places, calling it a violation of the right to peaceful protest. They announced that they will not let India become a “police state.”

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an ongoing process initiated by the ECI to revise the electoral rolls in the country. The opposition has alleged that the process was illegal and was initiated with the intention to manipulate elections to benefit the ruling ultra-right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power since 2014.

Several reports in the local newspapers have also claimed the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar violated established legal procedures and made changes in the SIR process arbitrarily on several occasions to benefit the ruling party.

Over 130 million voters, around 14% of all registered electorates in the country as per the 2024 data, have been removed from India’s decentralized electoral rolls since the process began last year. In some states a quarter to half of all electorates were removed.

The number is significant especially given the fact that in India’s First Past the Post system, the victory margins in elections are often very small.

Some have claimed that many of the voters removed from the roll were from religious minority communities or sections of the working class which have generally voted against the BJP.

One of the major demands of the ongoing protests is the removal of the SIR process altogether. Protesters have also demanded the removal of the sitting CEC and for legal action to be taken against him, as well as the re-inclusion of all the people whose names have been removed from the electoral rolls. :::

Latin America: the ‘cultural battle’ as a facade for neoliberalism

Milei in Argentina and De la Espriella in Colombia have reaffirmed their commitment to reforming the culture of their countries through their administrations. But what lies behind this rhetoric?

::: spoiler spoiler For several years now, politicians, influencers, and intellectuals from Latin America’s new radical right have been speaking about the importance of the “cultural battle” to recover a sort of perspective lost in the past and to underpin a civilizational project that prioritizes the individual, individual freedom, and the free market above all else.

Probably the first to insist on this idea in the media was Javier Milei, the current president of Argentina, who initially made a name for himself as an economist who had no problem insulting his opponents and defending orthodox neoliberal thought.

At that time, Milei, along with his intellectual allies, called for a stand against a purported culture imposed by so-called left-wing elites who had tarnished common sense, Christian morality, and individual freedom, among many other things.

A few days ago, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella called for a radicalization of his “cultural battle” and ordered the removal of dozens of works of art from various museums in order to restore a culture that has been held captive by the left, Marxism, and other dark (or, as Milei himself puts it, “demonic”) forces.

In reality, the move isn’t particularly original. Back in the United States, Pat Buchanan (a close advisor to Nixon and Reagan) had already advocated for and encouraged inflammatory rhetoric to wage a “culture war” and thus defend a culture tarnished by social change. Among the major intellectual inspirers of this doctrine are the American Sam Francis and the Frenchmen Alain de Benoist and Guillaume Faye (albeit with their well-known differences). Even some Germans in the 1930s attempted to make what they called “cultural Bolshevism” the scapegoat for all their ills.

But the push for a “cultural battle” in Latin America had a more interesting rationale. And it is not so much due to a supposed pragmatic interpretation of Antonio Gramsci’s concept of hegemony – which has been distorted by the new radical right, as well as by much of liberalism and social democracy, which understand it solely as “cultural hegemony.”

No, in reality, the intention behind invoking a “culture war” against feminism, abortion rights, progressive governments, left-wing artists, revolutionary intellectuals, etc., is more of a strategic nature.

For those who are actually, as ideologues, behind the “culture war” projects are not Buchanan, Francis, De Benoist, or Faye, but Hayek, Friedman, and the rest of the neoliberal economists.

The truth is that neoliberalism in Latin America during the late 20th and early 21st centuries was both a resounding failure and a magnificent victory. This apparent contradiction is resolved depending on which social class we are discussing. During that time, the most powerful social classes, economically speaking, managed to accumulate an enormous amount of power and resources, the likes of which have rarely been seen in Latin American history.

But such a level of accumulation in societies subjugated by a global imperialist order (such as those in Latin America) necessarily drives the working classes into conditions of material precariousness that are almost unbearable. Mass migration, uprisings, deaths, the loss of a lifetime’s savings, rising crime, and so on were just some of the devastation left in the wake of the neoliberalism driven by the Washington Consensus during that period.

In response to the crisis, several centrist, center-left, and even leftist leaders won elections in the region in quick succession: Chávez in Venezuela, Morales in Bolivia, Fernández in Argentina, Correa in Ecuador, Lula in Brazil, Bachelet in Chile, Mujica in Uruguay, etc. They sought to resolve a capitalist economic crisis within the framework of capitalism itself, resorting to approaches that combined Keynesian measures with legislation designed to protect and expand rights, especially for the most marginalized sectors.

These were times when (not without contradictions with other political forces, including those of a more traditional left) the economies of these countries improved, thanks in part to high commodity prices on the global market. And with public policies that, in many cases, focused on providing aid and social programs, the situation of millions of Latin Americans clearly improved. Between 2000 and 2012 alone, 56 million Latin American citizens managed to rise out of poverty.

Once the storm of discontent against neoliberalism had passed, the ruling classes decided they’d had enough of progressive governments. But to regain absolute control (since they had always maintained the necessary share of power to influence national decisions), they needed to win back the governments, and to do so, they found themselves at a crossroads.

They knew that the central argument against center-left governments could not be based solely on the economic downturn that followed the end of high prices for Latin American natural resources, but that it had to be grounded in something more – something that would come across as novel, radical, and a sort of conservative revolutionary ideology.

And that is how they found in the “culture war” a niche for ideological propaganda that has had a historic impact on Latin America. In addition to the aforementioned criticisms, they succeeded (through their intellectuals, politicians, influencers, media outlets, social media, and so on) in creating a perceived link between progressivism and corruption, between progressivism and organized crime, and, finally, between progressivism and an alleged erosion of individual freedom.

But the truth is that these kinds of strategies can cause political upheaval like that seen in the region in recent years, during which (thanks to the support of national and international tycoons, as well as support from Washington and other governments such as Israel’s) there has been a string of victories for the radical right, which could complete its winning hand next Sunday in Brazil.

But in the long term, neoliberalism cannot (nor does it intend to) overcome the contradiction inherent in an economy of this nature in countries with clear relationships of international domination. Thus, at the height of this new wave of neoliberal right-wing movements, the first cracks in ideological stability are already beginning to appear, precisely in the face of a material reality that offers no respite from political rhetoric.

The situation of millions of Latin Americans (especially the poorest) is rapidly being complicated by a radical increase in the rate of inequality. The promises made by the new right-wing movements to defeat organized crime show no signs of being a reality or of bringing about clear regional change. Perhaps this is what Nietzsche, another great reactionary, meant when he acknowledged that culture is merely the veneer of something deeper. And that veneer is beginning to wear away very slowly – a process that is nonetheless noticeable if one pays attention. :::

Tanzania’s smallholder farmers set their course in Morogoro

::: spoiler The network of Tanzania’s smallholder farmers’ groups, MVIWATA, held its National Smallholder Farmers’ Conference and the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Some 850 smallholder farmers from across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar met in Morogoro from September 29 to October 1 for the National Smallholder Farmers’ Conference and the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MVIWATA, the network of Tanzania’s smallholder farmers’ groups. The theme was “Towards Food Sovereignty: Land Security, Agroecology and Economic Justice for Smallholder Farmers” (“Kuelekea Uhuru wa Chakula: Uhakika wa Ardhi, Kilimo Ikolojia na Haki Uchumi kwa Wakulima Wadogo”).

The AGM is MVIWATA’s highest body. Founded by farmers in 1993, the organization interacted directly with 58,916 farmers last year, 57% of whom were women, according to its own count. Two days of conference debate precede the AGM, allowing members to debate policy before coming together to decide the way forward. For this year’s AGM, MVIWATA farmers took up the key issues of land, markets, seed and, for the first time, carbon trade.

Dr Bashiru Ally, Tanzania’s Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, opened the meeting, saying he had come to listen rather than lecture. He turned quickly to land: conflicts between peasants and pastoralists, he said, had killed at least fifteen people across five regions in September alone. He asked MVIWATA to help the government end the land conflicts.

Guests included the ambassadors of Cuba and Palestine, the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers’ Forum, the Tanzanian Socialist Forum, and Pan Africanism Today, which delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of more than seventy movements and organizations in Africa. MVIWATA also read its statement of solidarity with Palestine and Cuba.

Land discussions dominated the first day. Delegates said the courts were out of reach for most peasant farmers. MVIWATA’s chairperson, Apollo Chamwela, told those attending the AGM that in Magungu village in Kiteto, more than sixty farmers had lost their land when it was allocated for grazing. Subira from Msomero and Salum from Rudewa, both in Kilosa district, described village land taken by outsiders with the collusion of the local officials who should have prevented it. “How can the government take the side of the minority against the majority?” Subira asked. “Where should we run to cry?”

The second day of the AGM focused on markets: not markets in the abstract, but the system through which smallholders are made to sell their crops. Under Tanzania’s warehouse receipt system, farmers deliver produce to licensed warehouses, usually through cooperative unions, and it is sold by digital auction on a government-controlled exchange rather than at the farm gate. Delegates described a system in which farmers have little say over the floor price, and in which middlemen registered as farmers, “ghost farmers” in the words of MVIWATA Executive Director Stephen Ruvuga, sit where prices are set and gain at the real farmers’ expense.

Officials on the platform conceded that small producers outside the cooperative unions are “falling between the cracks.” The session on seeds addressed the regional seed law before the East African Legislative Assembly. The carbon session, the most heated of the three days, heard delegates from Dodoma, Katavi and Kagera describe companies counting trees and signing open-ended contracts with individual farmers who were given no opportunity to understand or scrutinize what they were signing.

On the final day, the conference resolutions were adopted by acclamation. MVIWATA will compile its members’ land grievances and submit them to the government through Dr Bashiru Ally, as he had offered. It will expand its legal aid and follow up on cases stalled with officials. It will document flaws in the crop-marketing system, present them to the authorities, build a seedbank dedicated to indigenous seeds, convene an inclusive forum on carbon trade, and track, analyze and critically engage carbon projects and their effects on farmers. :::

AI use leads UC Berkeley math professor to see ‘no point’ in grading homework

Borcherds said he currently grades on completion if a student hands in their homework. He admitted that it is “not a very good system,” but at the moment, he has no alternative.

Borcherds stated he no longer knows whether to encourage students to go into the math department, as it seemed five years ago that being a mathematician was one of the safest careers from the AI boom.

“I have no idea what to advise. I even asked ChatGPT this exact question, and even ChatGPT said it didn’t have any idea what was going to happen,” Borcherds said.

Thank you Brazil! Revolution time is now impending across Better America.

Could have a revolution power rankings, South America edition, guyanas excluded:

1. Bolivia

2. Peru

3. Colombia

4. Ecuador

5. Argentina

6. Chile

7. Paraguay

8. Uruguay

first