Majority tendency document defends alliance with business and condemns United States foreign policy
O (Workers’ Party) closes this Sunday (April 26, 2026) its 8th National Congress, in Brasília, with the approval of a manifesto that tries to balance 2 objectives that are difficult to reconcile: maintaining the historical identity of the party and expanding the base for re-electing the president in 2026.
The text was prepared by the majority trend Building a New Brazil, the CNB. It brings nods to the political center, an agenda of confrontation with Donald Trump (Republican party) and reforms that range from the Judiciary to the end of the 6 X 1 journey. Read the (PDF – 172 kB).
The document proposes a “broad process of social consultation” capable of bringing together the productive sector and business community committed to the nation with the working class and popular movements. The idea is to form a coalition that goes beyond the institutional defense of democracy.
The manifesto also avoids disruptive language. The preliminary version listed 5 structural reforms (political, tax, technological, judicial and administrative). The approved text added two others: agrarian reform, aimed at food sovereignty, and communication reform, to guarantee compliance with the constitutional prohibition of monopolies in the sector. None of the 7 are directly linked to the socialist project.
The word socialism also gained different weight between versions. In the preliminary draft, it only appeared in the final paragraph, as a historical reaffirmation of the party. In the approved text, it was also included in the presentation of structural reforms. The manifesto goes on to define them as guided by “clear strategic objectives — with democratic socialism as its programmatic horizon “The change brings the term closer to concrete proposals, although the general tone remains conciliatory.
There is also an emphasis on the government’s economic results. The document cites inflation at the target, unemployment at a historic low and growth of 2.8% per year as proof that fiscal responsibility and income distribution are not contradictory objectives.
The Minister of Institutional Relations, (PT), told journalists at the end of the congress that the manifesto needs to go to the center. “The manifesto, in my opinion, has to have the centrality of speaking to the country and calling on the center to collaborate with Lula. This is what is fundamental”he stated.
The manifesto approved at congress is not to be confused with the party’s program or the future government plan. Guides the PT’s strategy for 2026-2027 in broad language, without goals or budgets. The government plan will be drawn up during the campaign, with specific policies and promises aimed at voters.
Lula x Trump
In foreign policy, the manifesto treats Trump’s tariffs as an instrument of “economic repression” and describes the North American attitude as an unprecedented trade war. He cites the US alliance with Israel in the conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East as an example of an international order in collapse.
In contrast, it positions Brazil – and Lula – as an alternative. Remember that the government led the largest repatriation operation of Brazilians in conflict zones, defended ceasefires in global forums and presents itself as a necessary mediator in a world in crisis.
The narrative serves 2 purposes: to distinguish the PT from the international right and to reinforce Lula’s image as a statesman in an election year.
The document also advocates that Brazil take a leading role in building a more balanced order and controlling the processing of rare earth reserves in its own territory.
