The dangers of Bolsonaro’s de facto military government

Throughout the 26 months of Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, his supporters have taken to the streets multiple times to call for military intervention. Of course, this is a not-so-subtle dog whistle for a coup d’état — an idea Mr. Bolsonaro has flirted with, but never truly set in motion. However, in a way, he has already given his supporters exactly what they’ve asked for, as never before in the democratic history of Brazil have the Armed Forces held so much power in the federal government.

One-third of Brazil’s 46 federally-controlled companies and a whopping 11 cabinet positions are led by men issued from the barracks. In some sectors, not even the military dictatorship employed so many members of the Armed Forces to high-ranking roles.

The most recent military appointment was Joaquim Silva e Luna, a retired general handpicked by Mr. Bolsonaro to become the next CEO of Petrobras, the government-controlled oil and gas firm. He will become the first member of the military to lead Petrobras since the dictatorship. Another appointment could come within weeks, with a Navy admiral expected to be made the president’s top communications officer.

After handing over the country back to civilian...