[irae]

I never seen any of them put themselves "outside" of the left-right spectrum.

I probably read what they say in a different way. What I see both movements doing is not align enough to either side to position themselves as such.

You said it yourself: they need to position themselves on "all issues". If you align yourself 90% to the left or right, you can align with a traditional party. If you split your positions 40-60% on the issues, you are neither right or left wing.

One example for both Novo and MBL: Both movements align in economic ideas closer to right wing parties, but both movements are pro environmental polices. Traditionally you don't see political groups in Brazil that support both ideas.

[ricardobeat]

Both parties supported the (terrible) idea of merging the environmental protection and agriculture ministries.

The previous Minister of the Environment came from Novo, and in only 2 years his policies had a disastrous effect on the environment, especially deforestation in the Amazon (he was kicked out of the party but the damage is done).

If you split your positions 50/50, you're in the center :)