How serious are the Brazilian military’s threats against democracy?

Brazil’s military has been itching for a place in the spotlight, despite already enjoying the most influence over the government that it’s had since the military dictatorship. Now, the military is looking ahead to October: there are some 48 military personnel running as pre-candidates for the 2018 elections. In a country whose modern history includes a brutal military dictatorship (and several other ruptures from democracy), public statements from prominent military figures are fuelling concerns that the military intervention could make a comeback. But the Army’s growing proximity to the president is also worrying to Brazilians, as are the growing numbers of military personnel involved in politics.

The most famous pre-candidate is Jair Bolsonaro, an uber-conservative forerunner in the presidential race who is also a reserve military captain. But in addition to Bolsonaro, there are an additional four candidates for governor, two for senator, 27 for the House and 14 for state and municipal legislatures.

Active military personnel join cries of ‘pajama Generals’

Yesterday, Army Reserve General Luiz Gonzaga Schroeder Lessa issued a statement that left Brazilians reeling. “If there is so much betrayal and change of law, then I have no doubt that the only resource is an armed reaction,” he said in an interview with Estado de...