History of Jair Bolsonaro

Jair Messias Bolsonaro, a prominent yet polarizing figure in Brazilian politics, has left an indelible mark on the nation's contemporary history. Born on March 21, 1955, in the small town of Glicério in the state of São Paulo, Bolsonaro has carved out a career that is as controversial as it is influential, propelling him to the highest office in Brazil as the 38th President.

Bolsonaro's formative years were shaped significantly by a strict, religious Catholic upbringing, which later influenced his political ideology leaning towards conservatism. His journey into public service began with a military career; in 1973, he enrolled at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy, later serving in the Brazilian Army. Bolsonaro achieved the rank of captain before his career took a turn towards politics, partly precipitated by his outspoken nature and dissatisfaction with military pay. In 1986, as a young military officer, Bolsonaro wrote an article for the magazine “Veja” criticizing military salaries, which led to a brief arrest. This incident inadvertently propelled him into the public eye and sowed the seeds for his political career.

By 1988, Bolsonaro had decided to enter politics, leveraging his nationalistic and conservative credentials. He was elected as a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro for the Christian Democratic Party. Just two years later, in 1990, Bolsonaro transitioned to the federal level, winning a seat in the Chamber of Deputies. His tenure as a federal deputy lasted for seven consecutive terms, spanning nearly three decades. During this period, Bolsonaro changed his party affiliation several times, a common practice in the fluid landscape of Brazilian politics. He represented multiple parties, finding his longest tenure with the Progressive Party.

Throughout his legislative career, Bolsonaro was known for his strong stance on law and order issues, support of military interests, and advocacy for the relaxation of gun control laws. However, his tenure was not without controversy. Bolsonaro became known for provocative statements and was often criticized for his comments on gender, homosexuality, and race, which many considered divisive and inflammatory. Despite, or perhaps because of, his controversial stance, Bolsonaro built a substantial following among conservatives, the military, and Evangelicals, who resonated with his platform of anti-corruption and nationalistic rhetoric.

Bolsonaro's ambition ultimately led him to the presidency. Capitalizing on a period of turbulence in Brazilian politics marked by corruption scandals, economic struggles, and public dissatisfaction with the establishment, he announced his candidacy for the presidency in 2016. Running under the Social Liberal Party (PSL), a relatively small party that he joined in early 2018, Bolsonaro's platform was built on economic liberalism, traditional family values, and a tough stance on crime.

The 2018 presidential election was a pivotal moment for Brazil. Bolsonaro positioned himself as an outsider, and his candidacy was bolstered by a strategic use of social media to bypass traditional media channels. His hardline opposition to the leftist Workers’ Party (PT), which had been embroiled in corruption scandals, further cemented his appeal. An assassination attempt in September 2018, where he was stabbed during a campaign rally, saw a surge of sympathy support, and he won the election with 55.13% of the vote in the second round, defeating Fernando Haddad of the PT.

Bolsonaro's presidency began on January 1, 2019. True to his campaign promises, his administration prioritized deregulation, privatization, and tax reform intended to reinvigorate the Brazilian economy. His foreign policy marked a shift towards closer alignment with the United States, particularly under the Trump administration, reflecting Bolsonaro's admiration for Donald Trump. Domestically, his presidency was characterized by significant polarization. His administration faced criticism for its handling of environmental policies, particularly concerning the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Bolsonaro’s dismissive attitude towards climate change and indigenous rights drew widespread international condemnation.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the greatest challenges for Bolsonaro’s presidency. His government was criticized for its response, marked by the downplaying of the virus’s severity, promotion of unproven treatments, and disputes with state governors over public health measures. Opposition to lockdowns and vaccine mandates highlighted Bolsonaro's focus on economic concerns over public health, contributing to significant domestic and international criticism.

Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro maintained a strong ideological base, which he continued to nurture through his anti-establishment rhetoric and critique of leftism. Despite facing challenges and declining approval ratings amidst the pandemic, Bolsonaro announced his intention to seek re-election.

In 2022, Bolsonaro lost his bid for reelection to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former president representing the Workers' Party. The election was closely watched and highly contentious, reflecting the continuing political divide within Brazil. Despite his loss, Bolsonaro's legacy within Brazilian politics remains significant. His influence endures in shaping Brazil’s conservative politics, and his rhetoric continues to resonate with a substantial segment of the population that favors his brand of populism and nationalism.

In sum, Jair Bolsonaro's political career is characterized by a blend of military ethos, conservative populism, and controversy. His rise from a military officer to the presidency illustrates a complex narrative of resilience and divisiveness, with lasting implications for Brazil's political landscape. Whether as a former president or a continuing political force, Bolsonaro remains a pivotal figure in understanding modern Brazilian politics.