Three Brazil military chiefs stand down
THE leaders of all three branches of Brazil’s armed forces have jointly resigned following president Jair Bolsonaro’s replacement of the defence minister.
The switch of ministers has fuelled widespread apprehension of a military shake-up to serve the president’s political interests.
The defence ministry reported the resignations – apparently unprecedented since at least the end of military rule 36 years ago. Replacements were not named, but analysts expressed fears the president, above, who is increasingly under pressure, was moving to assert greater control over the military.
The announcement came after the heads of the army, navy and air force met new defence minister General Walter Souza Braga Netto.