A troubled political transition. The inauguration of the new Brazilian president Lula is scheduled for Sunday in the capital Brasilia, amid tensions in the country, as some supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro still do not accept his defeat.
Lula’s opponents dispute his victory
In Brazil, the victory of Lula, back in power after having already been president for the first time from 2003 to 2011, has not yet passed with the supporters of Jair Bolsonaro.
Unusually, the former head of state and unsuccessful candidate for re-election he already left the country and will be absent from the ceremony in which he is supposed to participate. Extensive security measures have been put in place.
The authorities are especially concerned about the demonstrations by supporters of the former president scheduled for this Sunday and fear an escalation of violence. Camps have even already been set up in front of the country’s military barracks.
In Brasilia, supporters of the former president have been installed since his defeat on October 30, two months ago, in front of the army headquarters. Some pray on their knees, while fundamentalist priests deliver their sermons throughout the day, says a special envoy for the World.
Call for a military coup
“Here is Brazil. Our flag will never turn red, ”a protester throws at our camera, referring to the election of Lula and the color of his party, located on the left of the political scale.
“Break it up, throw it away”, threatens another protester, a sign of strong hostility from Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters towards foreign media.
Some are calling for a military coup to prevent the inauguration of the president-elect. “This January 1, Lula will not be inaugurated. Never, you hear me, he will never go up the ramp of the Planalto. [le palais présidentiel de Brasilia]!” exclaims an opponent of Lula, in The world.
Bolsonaro supporter arrested with explosives
In recent weeks, signs of violence have multiplied. Cars and buses were burned in Brasilia on the night of December 12, the day Lula’s victory was certified. Dozens of protesters were arrested.
On December 24, a supporter of Jair Bolsonaro was intercepted as he was placing a tanker truck with explosives near the Brasilia airport. He is suspected of having wanted to prepare an attack and was arrested.
500 policemen were sent to the camp in the Brazilian capital to dismantle it. But the security forces were attacked with stones and the operation was interrupted.
On December 30, two days before the end of his term, Jair Bolsonaro said goodbye to his followers. “The world will not stop turning on January 1 (…) We have a great future ahead of us,” he said.
According to the Official Gazette, the former head of state traveled to the United States for a trip to Miami, Florida, “from January 1 to 30, 2023.”
Source: BFM TV
