Jair Bolsonaro (b.1955). A Brazilian politician and former military officer who served as the 38th President of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. He is a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, known for his right-wing populist policies, strong support for conservative values, and his divisive rhetoric on issues such as the environment, LGBTQ+ rights, and the economy.
🧑💼 Early Life and Military Career:
• Full Name: Jair Messias Bolsonaro
• Born: March 21, 1955, in Glicério, São Paulo, Brazil
• Family: Bolsonaro was born into a working-class family and later joined the Brazilian Army, where he served as a military officer. He graduated from the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in 1977 and spent much of his career in the army.
• Military Involvement: Bolsonaro’s military background influenced his views on law and order, and he has often expressed nostalgia for Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985). His military training and experiences shaped his political views, including his support for strong security measures and authoritarian governance.
🏛️ Political Career:
• Early Political Life: Bolsonaro began his political career in 1991, when he was elected to the Rio de Janeiro city council. In 1993, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where he served as a congressman for over 28 years. He was known for his controversial statements and staunchly conservative positions.
• Rise to Power: Bolsonaro’s rise to prominence came as he capitalized on growing discontent with the political establishment and the corruption scandals that plagued many of Brazil’s traditional political parties. He presented himself as an outsider, appealing to voters with his populist rhetoric, advocacy for traditional family values, and promise to tackle corruption and crime.
🇧🇷 Presidency (2019–2023):
Policies and Governance:
1. Economic Policies:
o Market-Oriented Reforms: Bolsonaro’s government embraced a liberal economic agenda, heavily influenced by his Economy Minister Paulo Guedes, a proponent of free-market policies. They implemented a series of reforms aimed at reducing government spending, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and reducing the size of the public sector.
o Controversial Economic Measures: Bolsonaro’s government faced challenges such as rising inflation and unemployment. His handling of the economy was mixed, with supporters praising his push for economic reforms, while critics argued that his policies exacerbated inequality and social hardship.
2. Environmental Issues:
o Bolsonaro’s environmental policies were highly controversial, particularly regarding Amazon deforestation. He faced criticism for dismantling environmental protections and for his hostility toward environmentalists and indigenous communities. His government sought to weaken the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) and encouraged economic development in the Amazon at the expense of environmental conservation.
o His policies led to significant increases in deforestation, which sparked international condemnation, especially from environmental groups and foreign governments concerned about climate change.
3. COVID-19 Response:
o Bolsonaro’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most contentious aspects of his presidency. He famously downplayed the seriousness of the virus, referring to it as a “little flu” and opposing lockdowns and mask mandates.
o He repeatedly clashed with state governors and mayors over their COVID-19 measures and rejected vaccines early on, advocating for unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine.
o Bolsonaro’s approach drew widespread criticism both domestically and internationally for its mishandling of the pandemic, leading to a high death toll and a strained healthcare system.
4. Foreign Policy:
o Pro-U.S. Stance: Bolsonaro maintained a strong relationship with the United States, particularly under the administration of Donald Trump. He often expressed admiration for Trump’s policies and sought closer ties between the two countries, particularly on issues such as trade, defense, and regional security.
o Relations with China: Bolsonaro also adopted a tougher stance toward China, particularly over concerns related to trade imbalances and China’s influence in Latin America. However, Brazil’s economic dependence on Chinese trade forced Bolsonaro to walk a fine line.
5. Social Policies:
o Bolsonaro is known for his conservative stance on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and gun control. He expressed strong opposition to abortion and often made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community.
o His support for gun rights was a defining feature of his presidency, and he loosened restrictions on civilian gun ownership, claiming that it would allow Brazilians to protect themselves from rising crime.
💥 Controversies:
• Rhetoric: Bolsonaro’s rhetoric often attracted criticism for being divisive, inflammatory, and insulting. He made sexist, racist, and homophobic remarks throughout his political career, often defending his words as free speech or honest opinions. His controversial statements sparked protests and calls for accountability both in Brazil and internationally.
• Support for Military Dictatorship: Bolsonaro has been open about his admiration for Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985) and has been accused of glorifying authoritarianism. His statements about the dictatorship, including support for torture and human rights abuses committed during that period, raised concerns among many who feared a slide back toward authoritarianism.
🔥 Legacy and Post-Presidency:
• Polarizing Figure: Bolsonaro left office in 2023 amid widespread protests and a highly polarized political landscape. While he maintained a strong base of support from conservative and right-wing voters, his tenure was marked by significant political division and social unrest. He left a lasting impact on Brazil’s political discourse, pushing the country further to the right.
• Election Defeat and Aftermath: In the 2022 presidential election, Bolsonaro was defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula), a left-wing former president. Bolsonaro did not initially concede defeat, and his supporters mounted protests and riots following the election, claiming widespread fraud despite a lack of evidence.
Support and Criticism:
• Support: Bolsonaro’s supporters praised his tough stance on crime, his advocacy for traditional family values, and his economic reforms. They admired his outsider status, which helped him challenge the political establishment and promised a break from the traditional political elites.
• Criticism: Critics accused Bolsonaro of undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions, particularly his treatment of the press, his disregard for environmental protections, and his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many also feared his authoritarian tendencies and anti-democratic rhetoric would harm the country’s long-term political stability.
🕊️ Post-Presidency:
• After his presidency, Bolsonaro faced potential legal challenges and investigations into his handling of the pandemic, his role in the January 2023 attacks on Brazil’s capital (similar to the January 6 U.S. Capitol riots), and his post-election activities.