The article explains the relationship between the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) and the Workers’ Party (PT) in Brazil. It is argued that the strategy of the MST within the PT’s political party struggle was built in a pragmatic way, being a significant partner in the victory of Lula da Silva in the presidential elections of 2002. In the Brazilian context the relation between parties and social movements has been quoted as one of dependence. However, by analyzing the relationship of the MST with the governments of Lula da Silva, it can be concluded that the latter managed its relationship with the PT through a pragmatic-ideological insertion.