Law, Power, and Justice

Tuesday 4 July 2023

Brazil: Notes on Bolsonaro and Trump

After an election coup similar to the one perpetuated by Trump and friends, the Brazil’s highest electoral court government has barred Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2030.

He had, according to the court, abused his power and abused state media.  Bolsonaro takes pride in being referred to as the “Trump of the Tropics.’  He showed little respect for democracy while in office.

Unlike the Republican party in the US, Brazil has a chance to move on from its populist former leader.  It has been surprising that he hasn’t kicked up more of a fuss.

Three months before the presidential election, invited officials and showed them a video that Brazil’s voting machines were unreliable.  He broadcast this live on television and social media.  He lost the election to a left winger, Lula.  Country returned to democracy on 1985. 

Bolsonaro is tied to the right.  There had been a series of scandals during left wing administrations.  People saw the right as attractive.  Bolsonaro proposed some radical solutions and an-anti-elite narrative (like Trump). 

Once elected he:

• Spread falsehoods about the COVID infection
• Attacked the judiciary and the media

When he lost the election, a mob stormed the Congress, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Palace. (Much like Jan. 6).  Unlike in the US, the election is not controlled locally, but is highly centralized.  Brazil’s constitution says that if you abuse your power you can be barred from assuming power.  Also there is a separate law that if you commit a crime, you can be prevented from running for office for a while as well.  Brazil has 19 parties in Congress.

A quarter of the electorate called themselves “Bolsonaristas,” i.e. advocates of Bolsonaro’s policies.  So, just as there is a life for Trumpism after Trump, there is room for Bolsonaro’s policies to live after Bolsonaro.  Since he has been in public office agri-business and evangelical churches have gained power.  Also the style of rallying people disaffected with institutions has become more popular. 

Sources: The Economist, podcast “The Intelligence”