Carlos and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, two of the sons of former far-right Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, were elected this Sunday as councilors in the municipal chambers of Rio de Janeiro and Balneário Camboriú, respectively.
Carlos Bolsonaro was the candidate with the most votes in Rio with more than 130,000 votes and will assume a seventh term as mayor of the Fluminense capital, with 100% of the ballot boxes counted, according to the official results of the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
He thus renewed his seat despite his problems with the Brazilian Justice. Carlos Bolsonaro is being investigated in various cases, including one for participating in an alleged illegal espionage network that monitored political adversaries and allies during his father’s government (2019-2022).
Jair Renan Bolsonaro will serve, for his part, his first term in the city of Balneário Camboriú, in the state of Santa Catarina (south), where he obtained some 3,000 votes, also being the most voted among the candidates for councilor in that town.
Like his brother, he also has pending cases with the Justice Department, which is investigating him for fraud and money laundering in operations to obtain bank loans.
In mid-2021, he was also investigated for influence peddling, although that case was ultimately archived due to lack of evidence.
Bolsonaro Sr. is also a suspect in several criminal proceedings pending in the Supreme Court, including one for plotting a coup against the current president, the progressive Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his greatest political adversary.
With the election of Jair Renan, all the male children of the former president and leader of the Brazilian extreme right will dedicate themselves to politics, since Flávio is a senator; Eduardo, federal deputy and Carlos, councilor in Rio, and now Jair Renan, councilor in Balneário Camboriú.
Both Jair Renan and Carlos were elected as standard bearers of their father’s political platform: the Liberal Party (PL), with which Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election against Lula by a narrow margin, a defeat that he has not recognized to this day.
Brazil held municipal elections this Sunday to elect mayors and councilors in 5,569 cities in the country.
Sao Paulo / EFE
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Analysis: The Rise of the Bolsonaro Family in Brazilian Politics
The recent municipal elections in Brazil have revealed a fascinating trend – the consolidation of power within the Bolsonaro family. Two of the sons of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Carlos and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, have been elected as councilors in Rio de Janeiro and Balneário Camboriú, respectively.
Carlos Bolsonaro, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback, securing the highest number of votes (over 130,000) in Rio de Janeiro to assume a seventh term as a councilor in the Fluminense capital. This is a testament to his enduring popularity in the region, despite recent controversies and problems.
The latest news of a raid on properties linked to Carlos Bolsonaro [[1]]may have raised eyebrows, but it hasn’t deterred his supporters. His sustained presence in the municipal chamber, in fact, underscores the resilience of his influence and the unyielding loyalty of his voters.
As Jair Bolsonaro’s son, Carlos has undoubtedly benefited from his father’s legacy and popularity. Jair Bolsonaro was a serving congressman for 27 years before becoming the President of Brazil [[2]]. His enduring presence in the Brazilian far-right has led to his sons becoming active participants in local politics.
It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that the Bolsonaro family has been at the center of controversy. In October 2022, Jair Bolsonaro and his son had raised concerns that they may dispute and claim electoral irregularities if they lost the presidential election [[3]]. While that did not materialize, the electoral victory of Carlos Bolsonaro raises questions about whether the family will fortify their stronghold on the Brazilian far-right landscape or succumb to criticism.
the election of Carlos and Jair Renan Bolsonaro as councilors in their respective constituencies signals a continued influence of the Bolsonaro family in Brazilian politics. While the elder Bolsonaro’s presidency has been marred by controversy, it remains to be seen whether his sons will escape similar criticism and grow as forces to reckon with in the Brazilian far-right.
Analysis: The Rise of the Bolsonaro Family in Brazilian Politics
The recent municipal elections in Brazil have revealed a fascinating trend – the consolidation of power within the Bolsonaro family. Two of the sons of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Carlos and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, have been elected as councilors in Rio de Janeiro and Balneário Camboriú, respectively. This development not only strengthens the family’s grip on Brazilian politics but also raises concerns about the blurring of lines between family loyalty and public service.
Carlos Bolsonaro, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback, securing the highest number of votes (over 130,000) in Rio de Janeiro to assume a seventh term as a councilor in the Fluminense capital. This is a testament to his enduring popularity in the region, despite recent controversies and problems. His involvement in various high-profile scandals, including an alleged espionage network and potential corruption charges, has not deterred his supporters.
The election of Jair Renan Bolsonaro in Balneário Camboriú, albeit with a relatively modest number of votes, further solidifies the family’s presence in local politics. This trend is especially troubling, given the allegations of corruption and malfeasance against the Bolsonaro family members. It seems that the allure of family ties and name recognition can overcome even the most serious accusations of wrongdoing.
Moreover, the dominance of the Bolsonaro family in Brazilian politics raises questions about the concentration of power and the erosion of democratic institutions. The election of Jair Renan Bolsonaro, Flávio (a senator), Eduardo (a federal deputy), and Carlos (a councilor in Rio) has created a dynastic situation, where the same family holds sway over multiple branches of government. This not only undermines the independence of these institutions but also threatens the checks and balances that are essential to a functioning democracy.
The ongoing investigations into the Bolsonaro family’s activities, particularly those involving corruption and money laundering, should be closely monitored. The Supreme Court’s cases against Bolsonaro Sr., including the alleged coup plot against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to ensure that justice is served.
the rise of the Bolsonaro family in Brazilian politics is a disturbing trend that warrants close attention and scrutiny. While the family’s popularity and enduring influence are undeniable, the allegations of wrongdoing and corruption must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. Brazil’s democratic institutions and its citizens deserve nothing less.
Ultimately, the fate of Brazilian democracy depends on whether the Bolsonaro family’s grasp on power can be checked and balanced by the country’s constitutional institutions. Only time will tell if this can be achieved, but for now, the developments in the recent municipal elections offer a cause for concern.
