Bolsonarism, institutionalized?

Brazil has 33 legally registered parties. While some host authoritarian and nationalist politicians, none of these political groups are overtly far-right organizations. That picture will soon change after President Jair Bolsonaro launched his own party on Thursday, the so-called “Alliance for Brazil.” With the bold plan of being “not just a new party, but the greatest party in Brazilian history,” this political family in the making is full of extremist symbols.

The name itself is a nod to the National Renewal Alliance, the ersatz “political party” of the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil between 1964 and 1985. On the country’s electronic voting machines, the party intends to be represented by the code “38,” in reference to the .38 S&W revolver. Before the new party’s convention on Thursday, supporters lined up to take photos with a commemorative plaque for the Alliance, made entirely out of bullet casings and weighing some 50 kilos.

The Alliance for Brazil’s core values will be religious principles, frontal opposition to gun control, and ultra-neoliberalism. “A conservative party that respects all religions, family values, the right to self-defense—and the right to bear firearms with conditions—and free trade,” said Mr. Bolsonaro to his ecstatic supporters.

The event, held at a luxury Brasília hotel close to the president’s official residence, was typical of many pro-Bolsonaro rallies. Chants that “Brazil’s...