From Political Outsider to Leader: Bolsonaro's Complex Legacy
In September 2018, as Jair Bolsonaro campaigned in the south-eastern city of Juiz de Fora, a 40-year-old man pushed through the crowd and stabbed him in the stomach. This attack and the resulting dramatic images bolstered Bolsonaro's outsider image, propelling him into the presidency weeks later.
Fast forward seven years, and Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for plotting a coup. While it seems like the end of his political career, he continues to exert considerable influence in Brazilian politics, with calls from allies for amnesty.
The Road to Power
Bolsonaro's political rise was anything but conventional. For decades, he was a fringe figure, often dismissed by the Brazilian political establishment due to his inflammatory rhetoric. However, following years of political turmoil and disillusionment, he managed to galvanize a diverse coalition of supporters, capitalizing on the public’s yearning for change.
His unorthodox campaign, heavily reliant on social media, gained traction among middle-class voters, disenchanted with traditional parties and the corruption scandal surrounding the Workers' Party. In October 2018, this disillusionment translated into a victory at the polls, marking a historical shift in Brazilian politics.
A Disruptive Presidency
Once in power, Bolsonaro's government was characterized by a pro-business stance and a concentration of military influence in key positions. His strategies included weakening environmental protections, which resulted in increased deforestation in the Amazon, attracting international condemnation. However, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic marked the most problematic phase of his presidency.
Refusing to implement strict health measures or endorse vaccines, Bolsonaro faced fierce backlash as Brazil grappled with a devastating death toll exceeding 700,000 from the virus.
Confrontation with the Judiciary
Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro found himself in conflict with the Supreme Court, particularly with justice Alexandre de Moraes, who led investigations into misinformation campaigns and threats against democracy from Bolsonaro's supporters. These judicial challenges culminated in Bolsonaro's attempts to undermine democratic processes, particularly regarding the electoral system.
Election Defeat and Aftermath
His controversial efforts to delegitimize the 2022 election results, where he faced off against Lula, were met with failure. Following Lula's victory, Bolsonaro incited protests, leading his supporters to storm government buildings in an unprecedented display of unrest.
The Road Ahead
Despite his conviction, Bolsonaro's political ambitions remain. His allies in Congress are pushing for potential amnesty, which could threaten Brazil's judicial independence. As Bolsonaro aims for a comeback, the political landscape remains unpredictable, echoing the contentious history that has defined his tenure in office.
