In today’s issue: Bolsonaro administration: one man down
Bolsonaro administration: one man down
After an excruciating week, President Jair Bolsonaro has finally fired Gustavo Bebianno, who served as his secretary-general for 48 days. Accused of electoral fraud, Mr. Bebianno was chastised for days by the Bolsonaro clan—which could reduce the government’s political capital. Members of Congress have watched one of the president’s closest allies being so publicly humiliated, passing on the image that nobody is safe from a similar fate.
The president, however, has not explained why he fired Mr. Bebianno. If it was for the fraud suspicions, then why is Tourism Minister Marcelo Antônio still in office, despite similar accusations? Last week, Mr. Bebianno threatened to reveal documents detrimental to the president. Still, the president shared a video thanking him for his dedication during the 2018 campaign.
It remains unclear how Mr. Bebianno’s firing will impact the government’s agenda of reforms. But the perception that the administration lacks clear guidance is growing among analysts—which should make markets volatile. Just after his firing, Mr. Bebianno was invited by opposition senators to speak before Congress about the case.
The replacement
Retired General Floriano Peixoto, who served as Mr. Bebianno’s...