Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes said on Monday (24), in Rome, Italy, that democracies are under attack in different parts of the world. According to him, the scenario requires institutional vigilance and international cooperation. "There is a global crisis of democracy," he said.
The warning was issued. during a conference at Roma Tre UniversityThe event, promoted by the Brazil-Italy Institute (Ibralia), in partnership with IDP and Serafim Consultoria, continues on Tuesday and brings together authorities and experts to discuss the challenges faced by the rule of law in the face of populism and extremism.
Gilmar Mendes highlighted the importance of the exchange between the two countries. "An institutional dialogue between Brazil and Italy is extremely productive." He believes that experiences in confronting authoritarianism should be shared.
Pressure on institutions
During the conference, the Brazilian minister stated that consolidated democracies are being tested by movements that promote political polarization and discredit institutions. He mentioned attacks on the judiciary, the press, and the electoral system. "The offensive is systematic against the pillars of liberal democracy."
Commenting on the role of the Supreme Courts in the face of these threats, Gilmar Mendes was emphatic. "The Supreme Courts are always the first targets in this already familiar scenario. It is up to them to contain authoritarianism and defend the Constitution."
He also revisited recent moments in Brazilian politics, classifying Brazil as a case observed by other nations. According to the minister, the country went through a phase of institutional tension and responded firmly. "A confrontation with a populist government" and an attempt at democratic rupture were, he said, overcome with the support of the institutions.
Constitution as a shield
Present at the event, the Italian jurist Luigi Ferrajoli also drew attention to contemporary risks to the constitutional order. In his speech, he pointed to the rise of irrational and anti-scientific discourses. “Irrationality is present in society and in politics. We saw this in the denialism during Covid and we see it today in the climate change movement.”
Ferrajoli also criticized the prominent role of technology entrepreneurs in political processes, without any kind of democratic control. The jurist classified this movement as a dangerous deviation from institutional logic. "The guarantee of the Constitution is inevitable to avoid catastrophes."
At the end of the conference, both advocated for greater cooperation between democratic countries and concrete actions to protect institutions. Gilmar Mendes concluded by highlighting that the exchange of experiences between Brazil and Italy contributes to the strengthening of the rule of law. "It is by presenting experiences in confronting authoritarianism that democracies will finally be able to resist."
FOLLOW-US
