Rightwing transition in Brazil: Search for a replacement for Bolsonaro
In the wake of former President Jair Bolsonaro's legal troubles, Brazil's political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. As Bolsonaro faces a 27-year prison sentence for attempted coup charges, several potential successors are emerging within his family and beyond.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a combative congressman and gun enthusiast, has expressed interest in taking his father's place. However, he faces legal problems at home for his US lobbying efforts, which has led him to self-impose exile. His absence could potentially pave the way for another family member to step up.
Flavio Bolsonaro, another son of Jair Bolsonaro, is a senator and is considered more palatable by many politicians. Despite his reticence about taking on his father's position, he may be the family's best option if Eduardo remains in exile. Flavio has built his own political profile and leads the women's section of Bolsonaro's Liberal party, fueling talk of him as a potential candidate for vice-president or the senate.
Michelle Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's wife, is a devout evangelical Christian and impassioned public speaker. She is also a fluent sign-language speaker and campaigner for deaf people's rights. Michelle has built her own political profile and leads the women's section of Bolsonaro's Liberal party, fueling talk of her as a potential candidate for vice-president or the senate. However, she has a strained relationship with her stepson Carlos Bolsonaro, a city councillor in Rio de Janeiro.
Outside the Bolsonaro family, Tarcísio de Freitas, the 50-year-old governor of São Paulo, is the preferred candidate of many business elites and political power brokers. He won the governorship of Brazil's most populous and wealthiest state in 2022 with Jair Bolsonaro's endorsement. Tarcísio has lobbied congress for an amnesty law that could pardon Jair Bolsonaro.
Ronald Caiado, the governor of Goias, has hardline law-and-order positions that resonate with Bolsonaro's base. He is being pushed by one of the country's top political bosses, Gilberto Kassab.
Retiree Marcos Neri da Mata expressed at a prayer vigil that Jair Bolsonaro is still considered the candidate until he nominates someone else. However, as of now, no member of the Bolsonaro family was put forward as a candidate in the 2022 elections if Jair Bolsonaro did not run. Publicly available information does not reveal who from his family was named as a potential successor or why.
Ratinho Jr of Paraná is another name being floated as a potential successor, but no concrete information is available about his prospects. The political landscape in Brazil continues to evolve as the country navigates its post-Bolsonaro future.
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