A populist conservative politician, with nationalist views, has risen to prominence in the world's fourth-largest democracy: Brazil. His name is Jair Bolsonaro. Having been dubbed the "Trump of the tropics" by the Sydney Morning Herald, he is notable for his staunchly conservative social views, and controversial statements and support of Brazilian nationalism.
Educated at the Aghulas Negras Military Academy, Bolsonaro served in the Brazilian Army for 17 years, between 1971 and 1988, reaching the rank of Captain. He was described by superior officers as "ambitious and aggressive". In his thirty-year long political career, he has served as a city councillor and a federal congressman, both representing Rio de Janeiro.
In the 2018 race, he was the frontrunner, polling at the top, in the first round with 46% of the vote. He supports a wide variety of liberal economic policies and has proposed closer foreign relations with the United States and Israel. He is a strong proponent of traditional values, free enterprise and national sovereignty. He has been referred to as far-right (claims which he has denied) and also been accused of contributing to the increase in hate crimes by The Guardian, and has also been called a threat to Brazil's democracy. Other mainstream media outlets have simply referred to him as a "proud homophobe", choosing not to mention his pro-market policies, and tough-on-crime stance.
Bolsonaro won the second round of the election after beating his nearest rival, Fernando Haddad of the Workers' Party, by 17 percentage points in the first round. Despite polls showing that support for the Rio de Janeiro lawmaker fell in the week and a half leading up to the election, Bolsonaro won the Brazilian presidency with 55% of the vote.
The first world leader to congratulate Bolsonaro was President Trump of the United States who pledged to work with the newly elected Brazilian. Amongst others were President Macron of France and President Pinera of Chile.
Few know how President-elect Bolsonaro, who is due to be elected in January, will change Brazil. But what is known is that Brazil WILL change: for better or for worse.
Educated at the Aghulas Negras Military Academy, Bolsonaro served in the Brazilian Army for 17 years, between 1971 and 1988, reaching the rank of Captain. He was described by superior officers as "ambitious and aggressive". In his thirty-year long political career, he has served as a city councillor and a federal congressman, both representing Rio de Janeiro.
In the 2018 race, he was the frontrunner, polling at the top, in the first round with 46% of the vote. He supports a wide variety of liberal economic policies and has proposed closer foreign relations with the United States and Israel. He is a strong proponent of traditional values, free enterprise and national sovereignty. He has been referred to as far-right (claims which he has denied) and also been accused of contributing to the increase in hate crimes by The Guardian, and has also been called a threat to Brazil's democracy. Other mainstream media outlets have simply referred to him as a "proud homophobe", choosing not to mention his pro-market policies, and tough-on-crime stance.
Bolsonaro won the second round of the election after beating his nearest rival, Fernando Haddad of the Workers' Party, by 17 percentage points in the first round. Despite polls showing that support for the Rio de Janeiro lawmaker fell in the week and a half leading up to the election, Bolsonaro won the Brazilian presidency with 55% of the vote.
The first world leader to congratulate Bolsonaro was President Trump of the United States who pledged to work with the newly elected Brazilian. Amongst others were President Macron of France and President Pinera of Chile.
Few know how President-elect Bolsonaro, who is due to be elected in January, will change Brazil. But what is known is that Brazil WILL change: for better or for worse.
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