Right-wing populism poses growing threat to democracy, constitutional balance: Brazilian SC chief
Bengaluru: Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, president of Brazil's Federal Supreme Court, addressed students at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru on Tuesday, highlighting the increasing threat posed by right-wing populism to democratic values. He emphasised the crucial role of Supreme Courts in both Brazil and India as defenders of constitutional values.
Justice Barroso characterised constitutional democracy as a “two-sided coin,” emphasising the need for both popular sovereignty, through free and fair elections, and the rule of law, which includes protections for fundamental rights. “These two sides must coexist for true democracy. Rule of the majority without constitutional limits can easily slide into abuse,” he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
He also warned of the divisive nature of right-wing populism, which often fosters an “us versus them” mentality that erodes trust in essential democratic institutions. “(Right wing) populism tends to frame society into two sides—the ‘good people’ they claim to represent and the ‘corrupt elite’ they accuse of undermining the majority’s will,” Barroso mentioned.
Justice Barroso cautioned that in this framework, the courts, press, and universities, are often labelled as enemies for not conforming to narratives of the majority. He further shed light that populist governments frequently seek to fill courts with loyalists who will prioritise their interests rather than uphold the constitution, as mentioned by the publication.
He asserted that courts must resist authoritarian encroachment in this global wave of democratic recession, adding that the Supreme Courts like those in Brazil and India must act as defenders of constitutional values. “Our role is to protect human dignity, fundamental rights, and the rule of law—without becoming political actors. By remaining impartial and committed to these principles, courts play a crucial role in sustaining democracy, even in the face of populist pressures that seek to destabilise it,” he added.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
