Good morning! The military and allied political parties continue their struggle for power within the Bolsonaro government. Recreation of the Labor Ministry to weaken Guedes’ influence further. We look back at the Rio Olympics legacy.
The tug of war within the government
As we explained in previous months, Jair Bolsonaro has created a de facto military government — with the Armed Forces enjoying more power than they have ever had in democratic times. But losing popularity and trailing in the polls for the 2022 election, Mr. Bolsonaro saw himself forced to pivot, handing the keys to his government over to his congressional allies — particularly the right-wing Progressives (PP) party, which controls the House.
Why it matters. The battle between the politicians and the military fatigues for power will determine the future of the government — and perhaps of Brazil’s democracy. The first round was fought this week.
Warring. Newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo reported that Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto — who is extremely loyal to Mr. Bolsonaro — sent a message to House Speaker Arthur Lira through a middleman, saying there would be no election in 2022 unless paper ballots were reintroduced, as supported by Mr. Bolsonaro.
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