Brazil is entering a new era, both economically and politically. In 2011, economic growth began to slow after a decade-long boom , and by the 2014 elections, two parties will have alternated power for nearly 20 years. This economic stagnation and lack of political dynamism helped spark the widespread protests that roiled Brazil in June and July . While proximate issues such as public transportation fare increases, spending related to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, and the government's security response to the demonstrations, were blamed for the turmoil, the main grievances were economic — namely, increasing costs of living — and a lack of political alternatives. The unrest created an opening for more independent politicians to challenge the political establishment. One such figure is Marina Silva, an environmental activist and former minister of the environment in former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration.