Good morning! We hope you had an excellent Christmas! Back from our two-week recess, we talk about the work of right-wing extremists as Lula’s Inauguration Day approaches. The final spots on the Lula cabinet. Plus, some catching up.
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Extremists create Lula inauguration concerns
A 54-year-old man was arrested on Christmas Eve for trying to blow up a fuel truck in an area close to Brasília airport. Upon searching his home, police found rifles, ammunition, and another five explosive devices. He is facing charges under Brazil’s anti-terrorism legislation.
Inspiration. In his deposition, the man — called George Washington Sousa — reportedly admitted to his intent to create “chaos” and stir up pro-Jair Bolsonaro activists in the lead-up to the inauguration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as president next Sunday. He wanted to create the conditions for Brazil to be placed under a state of siege.
Far-right. Mr. Sousa is from Pará state, in the North, and was renting an apartment in Brasília to join anti-democratic protests taking place next to Army headquarters in...