Politics

Bolsonaro ousting “easier” than Dilma’s, says young conservative figurehead

After spearheading the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff in 2016, young right-wing conservative movements are now gunning for President Bolsonaro

kim kataguiri impeachment
Congressman Kim Kataguiri: Impeaching Bolsonaro to be “easier” than Dilma Rousseff ousting. Photo: Michel Jesus/Câmara dos Deputados

Back in 2015, Brazil was introduced to a group of teen libertarians who used social media to defend public spending policies as tight as their jeans and demand the impeachment of then-President Dilma Rousseff. Through organizations such as Movimento Brasil Livre (the Free Brazil Movement, or MBL) and Vem Pra Rua (Take to the Streets), these youngsters were a pivotal part of the political crisis that engulfed Ms. Rousseff’s center-left administration. They helped orchestrate massive protests that culminated in her ousting by Congress one year later.

In subsequent years, these organizations seemed to adapt to the political landscape they once hoped to change — with many running for public office as members of establishment parties and even facing their own accusations of shady financing. But now, MBL and Vem Pra Rua appear to have returned to their roots, once again calling for Brazil’s president to be impeached.

This time, however, the target is far-right Jair Bolsonaro, the man they helped elect in the first place.

But the MBL and similar movements want...

Don't miss this opportunity!

Interested in staying updated on Brazil and Latin America? Subscribe to start receiving our reports now!