Brazil’s House Speaker shows true colors at Bolsonaro convention

As the Liberal Party officially confirmed President Jair Bolsonaro’s candidacy for this year’s election during its convention on Sunday, there was one attendee who appeared particularly keen on enjoying a photo opportunity alongside the head of state.

Standing beside the president’s family and allies — and wearing a blue “Bolsonaro 22” polo shirt — was House Speaker Arthur Lira, who upon taking office as the head of the lower house of Congress in early 2021 had promised to remain neutral in Brazil’s political disputes. He has done no such thing, and Sunday’s appearance finally provided material evidence of where his allegiances lie.

Sharing the stage with Mr. Lira was Congressman Daniel Silveira, who quite literally owed his presence at the event in Rio de Janeiro to the House Speaker and President Bolsonaro.

Over a year ago, the House Ethics Committee approved two motions to suspend Mr. Silveira’s term in office for a total of eight months: one for recording a party meeting without authorization, and another for violently threatening...