The struggle for the new commons in the Brazilian free transit movement. Issue 2 (3rd May 2016) - Larrabure, Manuel
Abstract: This paper analyzes the Brazilian free transit movement of June 2013. I begin by contextualizing the movement as being part of a new Left that emerged following the 2008 global crisis. I argue that the movement was a reaction to neoliberal continuities in Brazil and to the limits of the Workers' Party's ( Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT) strategy for social transformation. In addition, the movement took meaningful steps towards creating a new commons, a political space in which a postcapitalist future is prefigured. However, the movement continues to struggle to develop new forms of democratic participation that can move it decisively beyond mere negation of the existing political system.