By Fernanda Otero<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a true story of an activist based in Ireland. All facts and events are real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has been 5 years since the coup in Brazil, and I have to share my experience as an activist living in another country. This is also a record of the cooperation between Irish and Brazilians fighting for democracy to build a less divided and less unequal society for all of us, particularly those living in Brazil. My intention is also to help my compatriots awake and encourage them to understand that they can \u2013 and should! \u2013 get involved and participate (without translators or representatives) wherever they may live and, also,\u00a0defend democracy in Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For different reasons, Brazil and Ireland in the early months of 2016 were experiencing a time of much social and political upheaval. In Brazil, democracy was being destroyed. In Ireland, it was getting stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Brazil, with low popularity, former president Dilma Rousseff faced problems in the parliament (especially in the Chamber of Deputies), in conservative sectors of society, and with the business community. Supporters and critics of the government called for national demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Ireland, on the front pages of the newspapers, there were basically two agendas on the headlines: the general election campaign and the Right 2 Water campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Ireland, the campaign for the suspension of water charges was intense and huge. I had the opportunity to take part in a peaceful #Right2Water march with over 100,000 people. Without fully understanding the Irish political system**, I started researching the elections and the name of one of the parties that were running stood out: People Before Profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n