The 2020 municipal elections in Barbacena-MG and the rise of religious conservatism

Abstract

This work analyzes the election of a young mayor in the municipality of Barbacena-MG in 2020. Linked to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and coming from a term as a councilor for the MDB, it seeks to understand how his religious adherence contributed to his election, surpassing older names traditional in local politics. To achieve this, the fieldwork was carried out virtually, as it was a time when social isolation was necessary, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is clear that his victory occurred in a context of significant rapprochement in the country between religion and politics, especially after Jair Bolsonaro's victory in 2018, which attracted a significant part of the Christian electorate to him. Although the elected mayor did not explicitly use the former president's name, certain similarities can be noted, such as the colors of the Brazilian flag in his campaign materials as well as a political agenda linked to Christian values.