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Jair Bolsonaro

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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a prominent Brazilian politician and former military officer.

Bolsonaro em março de 1990 (Acervo Globo)
Bolsonaro em março de 1990 (Acervo Globo)

He served as the 38th president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. His political identity is defined by national conservatism and populist views. Bolsonaro's leadership remains a deeply polarizing subject in Brazil. Many people praised his stance on crime and traditional values. Others criticized his policies regarding the environment and social issues. His career moved from the military into many years of legislative service.

Bolsonaro was born on March 21, 1955, in Glicério, São Paulo. His family has diverse European roots, including Italian and German ancestry. His paternal ancestors immigrated from Veneto and Calabria to Brazil. His maternal ancestors came from Lucca, in Tuscany, during the 1890s. He grew up in several towns within the state of São Paulo. In 1966, his family settled in Eldorado in the southern region. He grew up there alongside his five siblings.

Before entering politics, Bolsonaro pursued a career in the Brazilian Army. He entered the Army prep school in 1973. He later graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras in 1977. He served as an artillery officer for fifteen years. During this time, he worked with several different artillery groups. In 1986, he wrote an article for Veja magazine. This article criticized low wages for military officers.

This action led to his arrest and fifteen days of detention. In 1987, he faced accusations regarding plans to plant bombs. A military board found him guilty, but the Supreme Military Court later acquitted him. He reached the rank of captain before leaving the army in 1988.

Bolsonaro's political career began in the Municipal Chamber of Rio de Janeiro. He served as a city councilor from 1989 to 1991. He primarily used this time to promote military causes. In 1990, he was elected as a federal deputy for Rio de Janeiro. He held this seat in the Chamber of Deputies for 27 years.

Protesto pró-Bolsonaro em Londres
Protesto pró-Bolsonaro em Londres

During his long tenure, he became a well-known conservative figure. In 2014, he earned 465,000 votes, the most in his state. He eventually joined the Social Liberal Party (PSL) in 2018. This party helped him launch his successful presidential campaign.

In the 2018 election, Bolsonaro ran under a specific coalition name. His slogan was "Brazil above everything, God above everyone."

Bolsonaro é esfaqueado (2)
Bolsonaro é esfaqueado (2)

During the campaign, he advocated for economically liberal policies. He promised to cut taxes and reduce government bureaucracy. He also maintained a tough stance on crime and traditional family values. After surviving an assassination attempt on September 6, he won the election. He defeated Fernando Haddad in the October 28 runoff. He began his presidency by addressing the 2014 economic crisis.

As president, Bolsonaro implemented several major policy shifts. He focused on deregulation and pro-market economic measures. However, his environmental policies faced intense international scrutiny. He rolled back protections for Indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest. These actions facilitated increased deforestation in the region.

1988- Deforestation rates in Brazil - Terra Brasilis
1988- Deforestation rates in Brazil - Terra Brasilis

His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was also highly controversial. He frequently downplayed the virus and opposed quarantine measures. This led to criticism from many political groups as death rates rose. In foreign policy, he sought closer ties with Israel and the United States.

Bolsonaro lost the 2022 general election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following this, his supporters stormed federal buildings on January 8, 2023.

Ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro visita o Congresso Nacional - 54670395210
Ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro visita o Congresso Nacional - 54670395210

The Superior Electoral Court later blocked him from seeking office until 2030. This decision was based on his claims of voter fraud. He was also accused of abusing power through government channels. In 2025, he faced serious legal consequences. The Supreme Federal Court found him guilty of multiple crimes. He was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. He was later placed under house arrest for health reasons in 2026.

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🖼️ Images & Media (33)
File:BRA Ordem de Rio Branco Gra-Cruz BAR.svg
BRA Ordem de Rio Branco Gra-Cruz BAR.svg
File:BRA OMFA - OMD Gra-Cruz BAR.svg
BRA OMFA - OMD Gra-Cruz BAR.svg
File:BRA Ordem do Merito Militar Gra-cruz.png
BRA Ordem do Merito Militar Gra-cruz.png
File:Brazil Order of Naval Merit.jpg
Brazil Order of Naval Merit.jpg
File:BRA Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico Grã-Cruz.png
BRA Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico Grã-Cruz.png
File:Ordem do Mérito Judiciário do Trabalho - Grã-Cruz (Brasil).png
Ordem do Mérito Judiciário do Trabalho -...
File:Ordem do mérito judiciario militar.png
Ordem do mérito judiciario militar.png
File:Medalha do mérito Mauá.png
Medalha do mérito Mauá.png
File:Medalha do Pacificador.png
Medalha do Pacificador.png
File:Bolsonaro em março de 1990 (Acervo Globo).jpg
Bolsonaro em março de 1990 (Acervo Globo).jpg
File:Protesto pró-Bolsonaro em Londres.jpg
Protesto pró-Bolsonaro em Londres.jpg
File:2019 Solenidade de Assinatura do Decreto que revoga o Horário de Verão (cropped).jpg
2019 Solenidade de Assinatura do Decreto...

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