Explaining Brazil #210: Pro-democracy pushback

On August 11, Brazil will witness a rare event: members of the country’s economic and intellectual elite will stand against President Jair Bolsonaro’s putschist agenda. 

They will publicly present a pro-democracy manifesto at an event that will bring together celebrities, politicians, bankers, business owners, lawyers, and judges. The document, available online, has already been signed by over 800,000 people. 

While not mentioning President Bolsonaro by name, the manifesto criticizes attempts to delegitimize the country’s electronic voting system. 

Meanwhile, the São Paulo industry federation published its own pro-democracy manifesto — albeit with softer language.

Many have said these reactions to Bolsonaro’s escalation are too little or that they have come too late — as the president has hinted of his wishes to overthrow the election for more than a year now.

Still, they represent the harshest stance big business has taken against Bolsonaro so far.

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Guest:

• Euan Marshall is an editor at The Brazilian Report and also hosts the Explaining Brazil podcast in the absence of Gustavo Ribeiro.

This episode used music from Uppbeat. License codes: RMZNWEJWBJJKREIT, JC0DIHLFF4MYCCTO, O9JB4864PJTOAF2P, KNH33TILGNADS0UD, M4XID30RGBV8YGJL.

Background reading:

• We are about to launch a special 2022 election report with everything you need to know about the races for Congress, governorships, and, of course, the presidency. Click here and ask us about our early-bird discount.
• Brazil will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its independence from Portugal on September 7. But there is little enthusiasm around the date, amid fears that it may instead be marked by a pro-Bolsonaro uprising against democratic institutions.
• Fearful of the economic consequences of a Bolsonaro-led coup attempt, Big Business has belatedly decided to speak up, signing manifestos in defense of democracy.
• Jair Bolsonaro has been in full desperation mode, trying to increase benefits and win popular support — but it looks to be too little, too late, writes Amanda Audi.
• Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court invited a group of 30 digital influencers to its headquarters, seeking to dispel myths and lies spread about the country’s voting system.

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• #democracy
• #jairBolsonaro