Moral panic, evangelical fury and a culture war: The Bolsonaro formula threatens Lula’s re-election bid
Jair Bolsonaro. who served as president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023, is currently under house arrest for his coup attempt. He has anointed his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as his party’s presidential candidate. A lackluster and uncharismatic copy of his father, Flávio has still managed to tie President Lula da Silva in the polls as the October 4 election approaches. The right-wing movement…
In 2016, Brazilian Congressman Jair Messias Bolsonaro voted to impeach left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, paying tribute to a military officer who had tortured her during Brazil's dictatorship era. This act gained notoriety for Bolsonaro, who had previously been asked to leave the Army for disciplinary reasons. Four years later, he emerged as the victor in Brazil's presidential elections.
Bolsonaro capitalized on public frustration, promising to dismantle traditional politics and corruption. He also positioned himself as the champion of culture wars against feminism, racial minorities, and environmental concerns.
The election cycle has seen a significant shift in Brazilian politics. Lula da Silva, the predecessor of Dilma Rousseff, served as president from 2003 to 2011. With a 27-year prison sentence currently in effect, Lula is now Brazil's president once again, aiming for a fourth term. Running against him is his 45-year-old son, Flávio Bolsonaro, a figure lacking his father's charisma.
Despite Brazil's exhaustion and apathy towards politics, two distinct societies have emerged. Life continues to be marked by structural problems and corruption, with power remaining in the hands of familiar faces. As the 2022 presidential election approaches, the polls show a tight race between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Jr., suggesting that voters might be choosing against a candidate rather than for one.
The Bolsonaro family's identity resonates with a significant portion of the population, fueled by moral conservatism, evangelical support, and a reactionary form of populism.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
