Ahead of 2022 elections, Bolsonaro claims 'only God' can oust him from power
Bolsonaro, whose popularity is at an all-time low, is attempting to re-energise his base in the face of a sagging economy and a slew of probes focusing on him and his inner circle.
FollowPresident Jair Bolsonaro escalated his assaults on perceived adversaries such as the Supreme Court and the election system on Tuesday, pledging to preserve supporters' "freedom" as Brazil celebrated its Independence Day by competing for pro-and anti-government demonstrations. In Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other cities, throngs of Bolsonaro supporters crowded the streets, waving the national flag in green, yellow, and blue, holding extensive prayer sessions and screaming slogans in favour of the embattled far-right leader. Opposition protestors organised their parallel demonstrations, yelling "Get out, Bolsonaro!" as an opening volley ahead of elections in October 2022, which polls presently predict the president will lose.
Bolsonaro, whose popularity is at an all-time low, is attempting to re-energise his base in the face of a sagging economy and a slew of probes focusing on him and his inner circle. Bolsonaro escalated his criticism of Brazil's electronic voting system, telling a large audience in Sao Paulo that he would not participate in a "farce" election in 2022.
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"We want free and fair elections. I can't take part in a charade like the one put on by the Superior Electoral Tribunal," he said. He added that only God has the power to remove him. He said he is only going to get out of here alive, dead, or triumphant. Bolsonaro has often criticised Brazil's electoral system, alleging that it is rife with fraud without providing proof.
"As of today, we will begin creating a new history here in Brazil," he said at a rally in the capital, where he began the day with a flag-raising ceremony and an Air Force flyover.
Bolsonaro, a 66-year-old former army captain who publicly pined for Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985), told his supporters that the powers that be in Brasilia were threatening their "democracy" and "freedom." With extreme supporters advocating military involvement to grant Bolsonaro unrestricted authority, there were worries that the day might become violent, with memories of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump – to whom Bolsonaro is frequently likened.
