Esther Solano: a Spanish academic who became a target of Brazil's conservative movements

Esther Solano, a Spanish social scientist based in Brazil for seven years and professor at UNIFESP, has become one of the main targets of attacks from groups like MBL (Movimento Brasil Livre) due to her research on conservative movements. In an exclusive interview at her São Paulo apartment, she discussed her trajectory, the misogyny and xenophobia she faces, and the rise of authoritarian discourse in Brazil. Solano has conducted field research with Pablo Ortellado and Marcio Moretto on protests, finding that in 2015 over half of impeachment demonstrators believed the PT wanted to implement a communist regime. She argues that fake news undermines democracy and that the left must reclaim discourse on the streets and internet. She warns against the danger of military intervention ideas, citing General Mourão's statements without punishment. Solano also highlights the global frustration with democracy and the need for the left to reorganize beyond the PT.