Opinion

Army ruling opens dangerous precedent ahead of 2022 race

General Eduardo Pazuello broke military rules by taking part in a pro-Bolsonaro rally — but escaped punishment. The ramifications could be severe for Brazilian democracy

President Jair Bolsonaro greets General Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, the new Army Commander. Foto: Marcos Corrêa/PR
President Jair Bolsonaro greets General Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, the new Army Commander.Foto: Marcos Corrêa/PR

Last week, the Brazilian Army chose not to punish former Health Minister and active general Eduardo Pazuello for attending a rally in support of President Jair Bolsonaro at the end of May, during which he made a brief speech, hailing Mr. Bolsonaro as a “good man.” Military officers are strictly forbidden from politicking, and Mr. Pazuello’s behavior certainly warranted punishment. That he got off scot-free is yet another blow to Brazilian democracy, which could have serious consequences for the 2022 presidential election. 

Article 45 of Brazil’s military statute forbids active-duty officers from taking part in “any type of public assembly or demonstration of a political or protest nature,” a rule of which Mr. Pazuello was in clear violation.

The former Health Minister claimed that the rally was not of a political nature, as it occurred outside of an election campaign and because Mr. Bolsonaro, himself, is not affiliated with any political party.

Leading military officers who are allied with the president adopted a different argument by invoking the Army’s disciplinary rules, which includes a 113-point list of military transgressions. Number 57 states...

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