Brazil’s 2026 Presidential Election Shaped by the ‘Precariat’ Social Class

As Brazil heads into its pivotal 2026 presidential election, British economist Guy Standing identifies the nation’s political landscape as the first defined by the emergence of the “precariat” — a new social class characterized by economic insecurity and unstable employment. Standing, who popularized the term in his book "The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class," explains that this class has arisen from neoliberal reforms since the 1980s and faces chronic debt, few labor rights, and pervasive insecurity. This situation is fueling political dissatisfaction and shifts, with Standing warning that the left’s failure to address the precariat’s needs has contributed to a rise in extreme right-wing politics.

Standing points out that the precariat is globally present, but Brazil’s election marks a significant moment where this group’s discontent influences voter behavior. The precariat includes subgroups: less educated individuals nostalgic for the past and more educated ones seeking new political solutions. This division adds complexity to addressing their concerns.

Against this backdrop, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) expressed optimism about Brazil’s future during the October 18 debate on TV Band, emphasizing Brazil’s growth since his return to office, which has surpassed 3%. Lula highlighted governmental efforts to revitalize key industries such as naval and fertilizer sectors and criticized the privatization of state-owned companies like Petrobras and Eletrobras, arguing that these acts harmed the public interest.

In contrast, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) promoted a vision focused on economic prosperity through his proposed 'Ministry of Prosperity' and criticized Lula’s economic policies. The debate reflected the intense public interest and underscored the electoral significance of addressing Brazil’s economic challenges.

With economic insecurity at the forefront, the role of the precariat appears decisive in determining Brazil’s political future. The evolving discourse around this social class is shaping candidate strategies and voter expectations as the country votes in one of its most socially complex elections yet.