1. How concerning is Bolsonaro’s recent political and military shakeup?
- Author:
- Ryan C. Berg
- Publication Date:
- 04-2021
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
- Abstract:
- urbulent politics and a deep shakeup in Brasilia have many concerned for the stability of Jair Bolsonaro’s administration. The stampede of ministerial exits started early this week with the resignation of foreign minister Ernesto Araújo. The defense minister followed suit shortly thereafter. By day’s end, six ministers had either resigned or moved to new posts — about one-third of Bolsonaro’s cabinet. Perhaps more concerning than the political overhaul was what transpired one day after the ministerial shakeup: the leadership restructuring within Brazil’s armed forces — occurring, no less, one day before the 57th anniversary of the military coup. The heads of all three major branches — the army, the navy, and the air force — resigned en masse, purportedly over concerns for their independence, handing Bolsonaro the opportunity to handpick their successors. Brazil witnessed something analogous only once before — in 1977, under the turbulent rule of military dictator Ernesto Geisel. This has left some Brazil watchers fretting that an insecure Bolsonaro could be laying the foundations “for his own January 6.”
- Topic:
- Politics, Military Affairs, Authoritarianism, Democracy, Populism, and Jair Bolsonaro
- Political Geography:
- Brazil and Latin America