Thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered in Brazil’s biggest city to defend him against legal challenges and allegations of inciting violence. Bolsonaro, who is being investigated over his alleged role in a riot a year ago, called for pacification and hinted at seeking amnesty for those involved in the attacks on government buildings. His supporters filled the streets, claiming persecution by the Supreme Court and disputing the legitimacy of the current president’s election win. Bolsonaro, who is barred from running for office until 2030, remains a prominent figure in Brazilian politics, with mayoral elections looming in the near future.
Despite the large turnout at the rally, some analysts believe that Bolsonaro’s influence is waning, with key politicians and business executives from his previous administration absent from the event. Additionally, the current political landscape does not favor any potential coup attempts that would put Bolsonaro back in power. Federal police investigations have implicated military generals in alleged coup plots and rioting.
Opponents of Bolsonaro, including Workers’ Party chairwoman Gleisi Hoffmann, have criticized his calls for amnesty, accusing him of seeking impunity for himself. The event highlighted the polarized nature of Brazilian politics, with concerns about potential radicalism under the current government contrasting with fears of authoritarianism under Bolsonaro’s leadership. As Brazil navigates these political tensions, the rift between Bolsonaro’s supporters and detractors continues to deepen.
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