Start of new era in Brazil
Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil’s President yesterday, taking the reins of Latin America’s largest and most populous nation with promises to overhaul myriad aspects of daily life and put an end to businessas-usual governing.
For the far-right former army captain, yesterday’s inauguration was the culmination of a journey from a marginalised and even ridiculed congressman to a leader who many Brazilians hope can combat endemic corruption as well as violence that routinely gives the nation the dubious distinction of being world leader in total homicides.
A fan of US President Donald Trump, the 63-year-old longtime congressman rose to power on an anti-corruption and pro-gun agenda that has energised conservatives and hard-right supporters after four consecutive presidential election wins by the left-leaning Workers’ Party.
“Congratulations to President @jairbolsonaro who just made a great inauguration speech,” Trump tweeted yesterday. “The U.S.A. is with you!” During his inauguration speech, Bolsonaro promised to combat the “ideology of gender” teaching in schools, “respect our JudeoChristian tradition” and “prepare children for the job market, not political militancy”.
“I call on all congressmen to help me rescue Brazil from corruption, criminality and ideological submission,” he said.
A short time later, Bolsonaro spoke to thousands of supporters outside, promising to “free Brazil” from socialism and political correctness.