ABSTRACT
Characters in the Chinese alphabet represent crisis as an impasse and an alternative; in this respect, the Brazilian Democratic Movement party (PMDB) is in crisis. There is an evident impasse: We come to government without the benefit of a direct popular vote, which, nevertheless, we should have. The executive, resting on the ideas and numbers of the PMDB, became the primary actor and identified with the desires of the county. More than at any other moment, therefore, the PMDB ought to propose firm steps for society so that it can influence the course of the country. The PMDB must attempt homogeneity and consensus at most or a strong internal compromise among its divisions at least, in order to define a direction to be followed without vacillations. It is time for a government referendum to establish widespread support for new, wide-reaching measures. The PMDB ought to pre-empt the government in delineating a new housing policy.
