Trump’s victory could give boost to Brazil’s Bolsonaro’s re-election hopes amid court ban on him running
The recent victory of President-elect Donald Trump in the November election has sparked hope for Brazil’s former leader Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently banned from running for public office until 2030 by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. Known as the “Trump of the Tropics,” Bolsonaro’s disqualification stems from allegations of abuse of power and unfounded attacks on the country’s electronic voting system.
Despite the ban, Bolsonaro and his supporters are actively exploring legal avenues to overturn the ruling. The anticipated legal challenges and political maneuvers place a great deal of reliance on Trump. Bolsonaro is counting on the incoming president to pressure the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) so that he can compete for the presidency in 2026.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, emphasized the significance of Trump’s victory, stating that it not only bodes well for democracy in Brazil but also for global peace. He highlighted the shift in Lula’s stance towards Trump, from initially criticizing him to later congratulating the president-elect post-election.
However, key allies of Lula, including the leader of the Workers Party, Gleisi Hoffmann, as well as Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and Agriculture Minister Paulo Teixeira, have voiced opposition to the incoming Trump administration. Bolsonaro believes that Trump’s win will place the current government in a difficult position, as they may struggle to control the new administration.
The relationship between Bolsonaro and Trump is based on shared ideologies, particularly regarding freedom of speech issues. Bolsonaro sees this alignment as a crucial factor in his potential return to the political arena. He also views the economic implications of a strained relationship with the U.S., especially in light of discussions within BRICS countries to reduce dependence on the dollar in global markets.
Analysts point to Bolsonaro’s rising popularity and the economic struggles faced by the Lula administration as factors that could influence the political landscape in Brazil. With the Republican Party gaining majority control, there is speculation about potential measures to challenge the Brazilian Supreme Court’s decisions and support right-leaning leaders like Bolsonaro.
While Bolsonaro’s chances of re-election remain uncertain due to existing legal barriers, his supporters are hopeful that Trump’s victory will pave the way for a resurgence of right-wing candidates in the 2026 elections. Congressman Marcel van Hattem expressed optimism for the right-wing’s prospects in the upcoming election, citing low popularity for Lula and the positive outcome for right-leaning candidates in the 2024 elections.
In conclusion, the political dynamics in Brazil are evolving, with Bolsonaro and his supporters looking to capitalize on Trump’s victory to challenge the current political landscape. The implications of Trump’s win on Brazilian politics remain to be seen, but the right-wing in Brazil is hopeful for a resurgence in the upcoming elections.
