The balance of power in the peculiar Bolsonaro administration

The Jair Bolsonaro administration is not your ordinary government. Unlike its predecessors, this administration has brought a new breed of politicians into the center stage. Never—at least not during democratic times—was a head of state so far from the political center, nor so peripheral to traditional circles of power. Even the former military presidents, who were outsiders from the partisan system, held prominent roles within Army barracks. During his 30 years in politics, Mr. Bolsonaro was always a backbencher and, due to his outrageous statements, he became somewhat of a folkloric character. The last time he ran for the House Speaker position, Mr. Bolsonaro obtained four of 513 votes.

This administration is also peculiar due to the fact that control is disputed between six independent influences, each having its own agenda—fairly incompatible with what the others want. Let’s order them from the most to least rational.

The government’s stakeholders

Economy Minister Paulo Guedes leads the more rational group. He managed to name what is arguably the most homogeneous economic team in history.

Then come the military officers, who now amount to eight cabinet members...