In 'normal' circumstances, Brazil's multiple crises – in health, the economy, politics and the environment – would spell doom for President Bolsonaro. And yet he may emerge unscathed
Who is more threatening to Brazil’s democracy? Bolsonaro – an openly and unapologetically authoritarian politician-cum-populist leader or the Centrão – a party coalition that prioritises financial gains and positions of power over political agendas?
Bolsonaro continues to behave as if he is outside of ‘the system’ and consistently distances himself from any event that does not appear favourable to his popularity.
"If you run for president, you have to say you are going to expand Bolsa Família. So, go and vote for another candidate", Bolsonaro said in 2017. Now, he plans to merge Lula's social welfare program into his Renda Cidadã.
Jair Bolsonaro, currently without political affiliation, spouts anti-politics rhetoric, while celebrating the erosion of the very democratic structures that brought him to power.
Disseminated by allies of the 'Bolsonaro Squad', hate speech is increasingly used to legitimize physical and institutional violence against minorities.
How did a country that successfully managed past health crises be making headlines for its spiraling Covid-19 chaos? The politicization of health policy is one answer. Español
