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Understand what the term “digital populism” means and its effects in the political and social context.
On Monday, the 26th, during the opening of the XI Lisbon Legal Forum, Gilmar Mendes, a minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), discussed the concept of “digital populism” and its interaction with the Brazilian Judiciary.
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According to the minister, digital populism has been growing around the world, presenting a challenge and calling for effective solutions from institutions. So, what does digital populism mean?
What characterizes digital populism?
Gilmar Mendes, during the opening panel, emphasized that digital populism uses disinformation and political extremism tactics to confront the Judiciary. The discourse propagated by these populist groups suggests that the Judiciary assumes the functions of the other branches of government and makes political decisions.
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Thus, he emphasizes that this distortion of the truth can interfere with and distort public debate, undermining the proper functioning of democracy. The minister warned about the creation of “digital gangs” in Brazil, which use social media as a vehicle to block dialogue, disseminating concepts adverse to the democratic order.
Obstacles for institutions
At the event, other guests also spoke about the obstacles faced by democratic institutions globally.
Arthur Lira, president of the Chamber of Deputies, emphasized the need to respond quickly to digital populism, citing the attacks that took place in Brasília. He highlighted the urgency of strengthening democracy through measures such as the Fake News Bill.
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On the other hand, Augusto Santos Silva, president of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, stated that global democracy is going through a period of backsliding and advocated protecting the rule of law as a remedy against the corruptions of democracy.
In this regard, it is crucial to understand what digital populism is and its impacts in order to foster healthy public debate.
