Brazil defense minister defends democracy, pledges to adhere to constitution

BRASILIA, (Reuters) - Brazil's defence minister defended the democratic system yesterday, decrying "attempts at institutional destabilization" amid concerns over President Jair Bolsonaro's commitment to constitutional norms ahead of next year's election.

Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, speaking alongside the president at the inauguration ceremony of new Army commander, General Paulo Sergio Nogueira de Oliveira, said the armed forces were committed to upholding the constitution and "prepared and ready to serve national interests."

His comments come amid growing questions over Bolsonaro's politicization of the military, whose current and former officers he has elevated by placing them throughout his administration. That has led to fears that the armed forces may be forced to pick sides in the event of a contested election result next year.

"Today, the country needs to be united against any type of institutional destabilization initiative that changes the balance between the powers and harms Brazil's prosperity," Braga Netto said. "Those who believe that we are on a fertile ground for initiatives that may put freedom at risk are wrong."

He added that it was "necessary to respect the democratic rite and the project chosen by the majority of Brazilians."

Last month, Bolsonaro removed Brazil's three top military commanders after parting ways with his defense minister the day before.

Their exits underlined the scale of the crises afflicting Brazil, one of the global epicenters of the coronavirus pandemic. They also revealed a shift in relations between Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, and the armed forces.