The entire police of Brasilia will be deployed for Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration on Sunday (January 1), after a man was arrested for a bomb plot hoping to sow "chaos" in the country, according to an official on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Last Saturday, the Brazilian Police arrested the man George Washington de Oliveira Sousa for allegedly placing explosives in a fuel truck near Brasilia's airport. Oliveira Sousa is a supporter of the country's outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro. He was arrested after the truck's driver found the device.&nbsp;

Robson Candido, the civil police general delegate of Brasilia, told reporters that although there was an attempt to activate the device, it did not explode.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-for-attempting-to-bomb-lulas-inauguration-was-inspired-by-bolsonaros-call-to-arms-report-546878">Man arrested for attempting to bomb Lula’s inauguration was inspired by Bolsonaro’s call to arms: Report</a>

Later, Oliveira Sousa confessed to the authorities that the bomb was part of a plan to ''start chaos'' and ''prevent the establishment of communism in Brazil.''

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Lula da Silva's future security minister Flavio Dino said that on Sunday "there will be a mobilisation of 100 per cent of the police forces of the Federal District (of Brasilia) to ensure the safety not only of the president but also of foreign delegations and the public," news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Dino assured that the inauguration event will be safe and peaceful and encouraged citizens to turn out to celebrate.&nbsp;

Dino also said there was no change to the plans for the ceremony, in response to speculation that Lula might do the inauguration parade in a closed vehicle instead of the traditional vintage convertible, AFP reported.&nbsp;

In the general election in October, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated Jair Bolsonaro with 50.9 per cent of the vote. After the results were out, supporters of Bolsonaro blocked roads and demonstrated outside military barracks demanding that the armed forces prevent Lula's inauguration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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The entire police of Brasilia will be deployed for Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration on Sunday (January 1), after a man was arrested for a bomb plot hoping to sow "chaos" in the country, according to an official on Tuesday.

The entire police of Brasilia will be deployed for Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration on Sunday (January 1), after a man was arrested for a bomb plot hoping to sow "chaos" in the country, according to an official on Tuesday. Last Saturday, the Brazilian Police arrested the man George Washington de Oliveira Sousa for allegedly placing explosives in a fuel truck near Brasilia's airport. Oliveira Sousa is a supporter of the country's outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro. He was arrested after the truck's driver found the device. Robson Candido, the civil police general delegate of Brasilia, told reporters that although there was an attempt to activate the device, it did not explode. ALSO READ | Man arrested for attempting to bomb Lula’s inauguration was inspired by Bolsonaro’s call to arms: Report Later, Oliveira Sousa confessed to the authorities that the bomb was part of a plan to ''start chaos'' and ''prevent the establishment of communism in Brazil.'' Speaking to reporters on Monday, Lula da Silva's future security minister Flavio Dino said that on Sunday "there will be a mobilisation of 100 per cent of the police forces of the Federal District (of Brasilia) to ensure the safety not only of the president but also of foreign delegations and the public," news agency AFP reported. Dino assured that the inauguration event will be safe and peaceful and encouraged citizens to turn out to celebrate. Dino also said there was no change to the plans for the ceremony, in response to speculation that Lula might do the inauguration parade in a closed vehicle instead of the traditional vintage convertible, AFP reported. In the general election in October, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated Jair Bolsonaro with 50.9 per cent of the vote. After the results were out, supporters of Bolsonaro blocked roads and demonstrated outside military barracks demanding that the armed forces prevent Lula's inauguration. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: Security beefed up for Lula's swearing-in on Jan 1 after bomb threat

The outgoing Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro challenged his loss in last month's Presidential elections to leftists rival Lula Da Silva. He is arguing that votes from some of the machines are invalidated completely, his allies claim that the audit shows evidence of malfunction in older electronic voting machines.

Brazil: Bolsonaro challenges election defeat; pro-Bolsonaro supporters rally against Lula

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has challenged the result of the election he lost last month to leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, alleging that ballots from some polling machines should be "invalidated."

According to Bolsonaro's alliance, certain electronic voting equipment used in the second-round runoff between Bolsonaro and Lula on October 30 showed "signs of irreparable... malfunction."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Bolsonaro formally concede?

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They claim that older models of the voting machines showed "signs of serious failures that generate uncertainties and make it impossible to validate the results generated". As a result, they argued that the votes cast by those models should be "invalidated."

Despite allowing his cabinet to start making plans for a presidential transition, Bolsonaro hasn't acknowledged the election loss publically.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-military-finds-no-proof-of-electoral-fraud-thwarting-hopes-of-bolsonaro-supporters-532823">Brazil military finds no proof of electoral fraud, dashes hopes of Bolsonaro supporters</a>

Given that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has confirmed Lula's victory and that it has been accepted by influential Brazilian politicians and foreign allies, Bolsonaro's claim is unlikely to succeed. However, as per the report, it could bolster a modest but persistent protest movement that has thus far refrained from accepting the vote.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-son-says-leaving-the-country-not-an-option-but-applies-for-italian-citizenship-533188">Bolsonaro's son says 'leaving the country not an option' but applies for Italian citizenship</a>

In a decision seen by Reuters, Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court justice who presently chairs the TSE, stated that Bolsonaro's right-wing electoral coalition, must present its full audit for both rounds of last month's election within 24 hours or he will reject it.

The head of operations at FB Capital, Fernando Bergallo, as per Reuters has predicted that Bolsonaro's attempt to overturn the election results would fail but would add "pessimism on top of everything we already have."

Bolsonaro has for years claimed that the country's electronic voting system is susceptible to fraud. However, he is yet to provide any evidence substantiating his claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has challenged the result of the election he lost last month to leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, alleging that ballots from some polling machines should be "invalidated.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has challenged the result of the election he lost last month to leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, alleging that ballots from some polling machines should be "invalidated." According to Bolsonaro's alliance, certain electronic voting equipment used in the second-round runoff between Bolsonaro and Lula on October 30 showed "signs of irreparable... malfunction." Watch | Gravitas: Will Bolsonaro formally concede? They claim that older models of the voting machines showed "signs of serious failures that generate uncertainties and make it impossible to validate the results generated". As a result, they argued that the votes cast by those models should be "invalidated." Despite allowing his cabinet to start making plans for a presidential transition, Bolsonaro hasn't acknowledged the election loss publically. Also read | Brazil military finds no proof of electoral fraud, dashes hopes of Bolsonaro supporters Given that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has confirmed Lula's victory and that it has been accepted by influential Brazilian politicians and foreign allies, Bolsonaro's claim is unlikely to succeed. However, as per the report, it could bolster a modest but persistent protest movement that has thus far refrained from accepting the vote. Also read | Bolsonaro's son says 'leaving the country not an option' but applies for Italian citizenship In a decision seen by Reuters, Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court justice who presently chairs the TSE, stated that Bolsonaro's right-wing electoral coalition, must present its full audit for both rounds of last month's election within 24 hours or he will reject it. The head of operations at FB Capital, Fernando Bergallo, as per Reuters has predicted that Bolsonaro's attempt to overturn the election results would fail but would add "pessimism on top of everything we already have." Bolsonaro has for years claimed that the country's electronic voting system is susceptible to fraud. However, he is yet to provide any evidence substantiating his claims. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil's Bolsonaro contests election results, alleges voting machines had 'signs of serious failures'

Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva won Brazil's elections. Incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro has not publicly conceded, but says he'll follow the constitution. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Will Bolsonaro formally concede?

On Tuesday, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro in his first address to the nation since his election defeat to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not acknowledge his election loss and said he will continue to follow the country’s constitution. This comes after he lost the run-off election on Sunday by a close margin of 49.1% to 50.9%, said the country’s electoral authority.&nbsp;

This speech was made at a press conference in his official residence where he was surrounded by dozens of ministers and allies, “I have always been labelled as anti-democratic and, unlike my accusers, I have always played within the four lines of the constitution,” said Bolsonaro, reported the Associated Press. This loss also makes him the first Brazilian president to lose re-election.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-more-than-500-roadblocks-delayed-voters-during-presidential-election-529724">Brazil: More than 500 roadblocks 'delayed' voters during presidential election</a>

After the brief address, his chief of staff Ciro Nogueira said that the incumbent President has authorised him to begin the transition process with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s representatives. Bolsonaro’s remarks came nearly 44 hours after he lost the election during which protestors blocked highways after his defeat.&nbsp;

During his address, he called these demonstrations a result of “indignation and a sense of injustice" over the vote, calling them a “popular movement”. He also went on to thank the voters who supported him.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-elections-2022-presidential-fight-down-to-two-candidates-521157">Brazil Elections 2022: Presidential fight down to two candidates</a>

This comes after the country’s Communications Minister, Fabio Faria had told Reuters that Bolsonaro addressed the nation late Tuesday and would not contest his defeat in the election. According to sources, his chief of staff and Vice President Hamilton Mourao will soon contact to discuss the transition of power which in line with Brazil’s constitution should take place on January 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro in his first address to the nation since his election defeat to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not acknowledge his election loss and said he will continue to follow the country’s constitution.

On Tuesday, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro in his first address to the nation since his election defeat to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not acknowledge his election loss and said he will continue to follow the country’s constitution. This comes after he lost the run-off election on Sunday by a close margin of 49.1% to 50.9%, said the country’s electoral authority. This speech was made at a press conference in his official residence where he was surrounded by dozens of ministers and allies, “I have always been labelled as anti-democratic and, unlike my accusers, I have always played within the four lines of the constitution,” said Bolsonaro, reported the Associated Press. This loss also makes him the first Brazilian president to lose re-election. ALSO READ: Brazil: More than 500 roadblocks 'delayed' voters during presidential election After the brief address, his chief of staff Ciro Nogueira said that the incumbent President has authorised him to begin the transition process with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s representatives. Bolsonaro’s remarks came nearly 44 hours after he lost the election during which protestors blocked highways after his defeat. During his address, he called these demonstrations a result of “indignation and a sense of injustice" over the vote, calling them a “popular movement”. He also went on to thank the voters who supported him. ALSO WATCH: Brazil Elections 2022: Presidential fight down to two candidates This comes after the country’s Communications Minister, Fabio Faria had told Reuters that Bolsonaro addressed the nation late Tuesday and would not contest his defeat in the election. According to sources, his chief of staff and Vice President Hamilton Mourao will soon contact to discuss the transition of power which in line with Brazil’s constitution should take place on January 1. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: Bolsonaro fails to acknowledge election loss in first speech; transition of power to begin

Brazil has got its new president. The country brought in Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva back in power, the president-elect defeated the far-right government of Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil Presidential Polls: Lula Da Silva calls for peace and unity after victory

Brazil's incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cast their votes on Sunday (October 30) in last round of election which will decide who will be the country's next president. The tense election has left Brazil's electorate polarised.

Bolsonaro's presidency witnessed the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and massive deforestration in the Amazon basin. Bolsonaro has vowed to consolidate a sharp rightward turn in Brazilian politics

Lula promises more social and environmental responsibility, evoking the rising prosperity of his 2003-2010 presidency, before corruption scandals tarnished his Workers Party.

About 120 million voters are expected to have punched their choices into electronic voting machines. Bolsonaro has criticised these machine as being fraud-prone. He hasn't presented evidence. His allegations have given rise to concerns that he may not concede defeat even if it is declared. If this happens, Bolsonaro will following the example of his ideological ally, former US President Donald Trump.

That has added to tensions in Brazil's most polarizing election since its return democracy in 1985 after a military dictatorship that Lula, a former union leader, rallied against and Bolsonaro, a former army captain, invokes with nostalgia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Brazil's incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cast their votes on Sunday (October 30) in last round of election which will decide who will be the country's next president.

Brazil's incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cast their votes on Sunday (October 30) in last round of election which will decide who will be the country's next president. The tense election has left Brazil's electorate polarised. Bolsonaro's presidency witnessed the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and massive deforestration in the Amazon basin. Bolsonaro has vowed to consolidate a sharp rightward turn in Brazilian politics Lula promises more social and environmental responsibility, evoking the rising prosperity of his 2003-2010 presidency, before corruption scandals tarnished his Workers Party. About 120 million voters are expected to have punched their choices into electronic voting machines. Bolsonaro has criticised these machine as being fraud-prone. He hasn't presented evidence. His allegations have given rise to concerns that he may not concede defeat even if it is declared. If this happens, Bolsonaro will following the example of his ideological ally, former US President Donald Trump. That has added to tensions in Brazil's most polarizing election since its return democracy in 1985 after a military dictatorship that Lula, a former union leader, rallied against and Bolsonaro, a former army captain, invokes with nostalgia. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazil: Bolsonaro and Lula cast votes in final round of election

Brazil is all set to choose its next President. Brazilians will vote on Sunday in the second and the final round of the Presidential polls which is described as the country's most polarised election campaign. The recent polls have shown Lula going into the second round of voting with a stable lead over Bolsonaro.

Who will be Brazil's next President? Polls suggest Lula Da Silva ahead of Jair Bolsonaro

Who will be Brazil's next President? Lula and Bolsonaro hold final rallies

People across Brazil are turning up for the polling stations to cast their votes in the second and final round of the Presidential polls. Incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro has also cast his vote in the country's most polarized election in many years.

Voters take part in polarized Brazil Presidential Elections

Brazil is all set to vote for the second round of elections. The country is witnessing a fierce fight between the incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro and his opponent Lula Da Silva. The duo were seen personally attacking each other in the final debate.

Brazil Presidential elections: Bolsonaro, Lula trade blows in final debate

Brazil is all set to vote for the second round of elections. The country is witnessing a fierce fight between the incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro and his opponent Lula Da Silva. The duo will face each other in a final debate on Friday night ahead of the second round.

Brazil polls: Jair Bolsonaro holds last campaign rally

Brazilian presidential candidate Lula da Silva criticised football star&nbsp;Neymar's support of&nbsp;far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, accusing the player of&nbsp;being motivated by a debt "pardon".&nbsp;Last month,&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;endorsed hardline conservative Bolsonaro as he fights to win reelection in his October 30 runoff battle against leftist ex-leader Lula.

"Neymar&nbsp;has the right to choose whoever he wants to be president. I think he is afraid that if I win the election I will find out what Bolsonaro pardoned from his income tax debt," Lula said in a YouTube interview on Tuesday. "I think that's why he's afraid of me," Lula added, laughing, when asked about&nbsp;Neymar's support for the president.

Expectations of a close contest have pushed both sides to intensify their attacks before the runoff, with Lula the frontrunner after the first-round election on October 2. "Obviously, Bolsonaro made a deal with (Neymar's) father. He now has an income tax problem in Spain," Lula said, alluding to a favorable ruling the player obtained in a tax evasion trial in Brazil, as well as the charges he faces in Barcelona for alleged irregularities in his 2013 club transfer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-striker-neymar-denies-wrongdoing-in-court-over-barcelona-transfer-526552">Brazil striker Neymar denies wrongdoing in court over Barcelona transfer</a>

Lula added that it was ultimately a problem for the country's tax collection agency, and not him. This week, Lula secured the backing of another football legend.&nbsp; Former Brazilian player and Paris Saint-Germain star Rai gave Lula a silent shout-out at a gala awards ceremony in Paris, mentioning his country's elections before flashing an "L" sign with his right hand.

Lula has 53 percent of the vote heading into the October 30 runoff, to 47 percent for Bolsonaro, according to a poll released Friday by the Datafolha institute.

Brazilian presidential candidate Lula da Silva criticised football star Neymar's support of far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, accusing the player of being motivated by a debt "pardon".

Brazilian presidential candidate Lula da Silva criticised football star Neymar's support of far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, accusing the player of being motivated by a debt "pardon". Last month, Neymar endorsed hardline conservative Bolsonaro as he fights to win reelection in his October 30 runoff battle against leftist ex-leader Lula. "Neymar has the right to choose whoever he wants to be president. I think he is afraid that if I win the election I will find out what Bolsonaro pardoned from his income tax debt," Lula said in a YouTube interview on Tuesday. "I think that's why he's afraid of me," Lula added, laughing, when asked about Neymar's support for the president. Expectations of a close contest have pushed both sides to intensify their attacks before the runoff, with Lula the frontrunner after the first-round election on October 2. "Obviously, Bolsonaro made a deal with (Neymar's) father. He now has an income tax problem in Spain," Lula said, alluding to a favorable ruling the player obtained in a tax evasion trial in Brazil, as well as the charges he faces in Barcelona for alleged irregularities in his 2013 club transfer. ALSO READ | Brazil striker Neymar denies wrongdoing in court over Barcelona transfer Lula added that it was ultimately a problem for the country's tax collection agency, and not him. This week, Lula secured the backing of another football legend. Former Brazilian player and Paris Saint-Germain star Rai gave Lula a silent shout-out at a gala awards ceremony in Paris, mentioning his country's elections before flashing an "L" sign with his right hand. Lula has 53 percent of the vote heading into the October 30 runoff, to 47 percent for Bolsonaro, according to a poll released Friday by the Datafolha institute.

Brazilian presidential candidate Lula da Silva criticises Neymar for Bolsonaro support

Brazil is heading towards polls in what experts say is one of the most polarised elections in recent times. Now, candidates Jair Bolsonaro and Lula Da Silva held their first Presidential debate.

Brazil's first Presidential debate: Jair Bolsonaro vs Lula Da Silva

Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president, finished in first place Sunday in Brazil's presidential election, but failed to secure enough votes for an outright victory and will face right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in an October 30 run-off.

Brazil Presidential Polls: Jair Bolsonaro to face Lula da Silva in run-off

Brazil is going to polls on Sunday to elect a new President. Jair Bolsonaro is running again but he faces a tough challenge from former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva who is leading the opinion. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Brazil's Presidential race matters

Brazil follows two-round system of elections and a Presidential candidate needs to get nearly 51% votes to be declared a winner. The campaigning of the elections between Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva will conclude on October 1.

Jail Bolsonaro vs Lula Da Silva: Presidential race heats up as Brazil election nears | WION

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year.

Watch |&nbsp;

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There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists.

And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover.

Our report decodes more about this.&nbsp;

It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump.

Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint.

Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-chiefs-exit-in-new-turmoil-for-bolsonaro-after-cabinet-shake-up-374345">Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up</a>

In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door.

His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected.&nbsp;

Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19.

The last one sealed his political fate.

Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists.

The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency.

This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed.&nbsp;

"These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics.

His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House.

But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military.

All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history.&nbsp;

The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics.&nbsp;

Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country.

Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred.&nbsp;

He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain.&nbsp;

Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud.

<h2>Is military takeover on the cards?</h2>

The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change.

Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus.&nbsp;

More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided.&nbsp;

To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray.

Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial.

Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat.

Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic.

But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover.

It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America.&nbsp;

Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson. 
&nbsp;

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him. President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year. Watch | There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists. And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover. Our report decodes more about this. It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump. Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint. Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite. Also read | Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door. His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked. Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected. Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19. The last one sealed his political fate. Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists. The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency. This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed. "These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said. Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics. His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House. But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military. All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history. The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics. Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country. Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred. He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain. Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud. Is military takeover on the cards? The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change. Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus. More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided. To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray. Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial. Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat. Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic. But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover. It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America. Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson.

As Bolsonaro faces heat, threat of military takeover looms

Brazil's Supreme Court decided November 7 to end the mandatory imprisonment of convicted criminals after they lose their first appeal, restoring the previous rule that they should be allowed to exhaust all their appeal options before being locked up.

Brazil Changes Jail term Rules: Ruling could free Ex-Prez Lula Da Silva

Brazil's right-wing presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro said in a video released Friday that he expects to leave the hospital before the end of the month after he was stabbed in the abdomen two weeks ago.

"I've never felt so happy and good in my life. Many thanks to you all. By the end of the month, God willing, I'll be discharged," said the 63-year-old ex-army captain in a video released on Facebook.

He has been leading opinion polls ahead of the October 7 first election round ever since jailed leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was barred from standing due to his corruption conviction.

"We're returning, together, to make Brazil a great nation," Bolsonaro added in a message eerily similar to US President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" catchphrase.

Bolsonaro underwent two operations and has been in the hospital since September 6 when he was stabbed by a left-wing activist while campaigning in southern Brazil.

In the latest Datafolha opinion poll released Wednesday, he tabled 28 per cent of the vote, with Lula's replacement and Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad second at 16 per cent.

Although they are the leading candidates, Bolsonaro and Haddad are also the two most hated amongst the 13 presidential runners and engender the highest rejection rates.

Bolsonaro has been heavily criticized by detractors over controversial comments many deemed racist, sexist and homophobic, while he has also spoken admiringly about the 1964-85 military dictatorship's use of torture.

But his supporters laud his tough stance on crime and he is seen as a market-friendly candidate. 
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Brazil's right-wing presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro said in a video released Friday that he expects to leave the hospital before the end of the month after he was stabbed in the abdomen two weeks ago.

Brazil's right-wing presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro said in a video released Friday that he expects to leave the hospital before the end of the month after he was stabbed in the abdomen two weeks ago. "I've never felt so happy and good in my life. Many thanks to you all. By the end of the month, God willing, I'll be discharged," said the 63-year-old ex-army captain in a video released on Facebook. He has been leading opinion polls ahead of the October 7 first election round ever since jailed leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was barred from standing due to his corruption conviction. "We're returning, together, to make Brazil a great nation," Bolsonaro added in a message eerily similar to US President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" catchphrase. Bolsonaro underwent two operations and has been in the hospital since September 6 when he was stabbed by a left-wing activist while campaigning in southern Brazil. In the latest Datafolha opinion poll released Wednesday, he tabled 28 per cent of the vote, with Lula's replacement and Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad second at 16 per cent. Although they are the leading candidates, Bolsonaro and Haddad are also the two most hated amongst the 13 presidential runners and engender the highest rejection rates. Bolsonaro has been heavily criticized by detractors over controversial comments many deemed racist, sexist and homophobic, while he has also spoken admiringly about the 1964-85 military dictatorship's use of torture. But his supporters laud his tough stance on crime and he is seen as a market-friendly candidate.

Brazil presidential candidate expects to leave hospital by month's end

Brazil&#39;s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial on corruption charges, a crusading federal judge ruled on Tuesday, adding more turbulence to the country&#39;s political landscape. 
 
Judge Sergio Moro said that Lula, who served as president from 2003-11 and has for two decades been an iconic and powerful political force in&nbsp;Brazil, will face charges of accepting 3.7 million&nbsp;Brazilian reais ($1.14 million) in bribes connected to a sweeping kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras. 
 
Moro wrote in his ruling that according to the prosecutors&#39; charges, Lula was a &quot;direct beneficiary&quot; of bribes from, one of the engineering and construction firms at the centre of the graft scandal, and therefore must stand trial. 
 
The corruption case will also put on trial Lula&#39;s wife, Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva; OAS Chief Executive Jose Aldemario &quot;Leo&quot; Pinheiro; Paulo Okamotto, the president of the Lula Institute, and four others. 
 
In an emailed note late on Tuesday, Lula&#39;s lawyers again said their client had committed no crime and labelled Moro as a &quot;impartial&quot; judge who was on a witch hunt to see the former leader jailed. 
 
Lula, speaking via video link, told an event held by his lawyers in New York that the charges were a &quot;farce.&quot; 
 
&quot;What&#39;s happening isn&#39;t getting me down, but just motivates me to go out and talk more,&quot; said Lula, adding that he &quot;will keep fighting.&quot; 
 
Tuesday&#39;s events capped an incredibly choppy few weeks for&nbsp;Brazil. 
 
Lula&#39;s hand-chosen successor Dilma Rousseff was found guilty by the Senate of breaking budget rules and dismissed from the presidency late last month. 
 
Her successor, former vice president Michel Temer, has abruptly pulled the country to the political and economic right, and is trying to boost&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;out of its worst economic recession since the 1930s. 
 
Moro&#39;s decision may prevent Lula from making a political comeback in the 2018 presidential campaign. It could also derail any hopes the Workers&#39; Party (PT) had of returning to power, or possibly even surviving, according to some experts. 
 
Despite the corruption allegations facing the PT and several of its former coalition parties, the most recent polls have shown Lula remains a leading candidate for 2018. 
 
Lula was charged with three counts each of corruption, which carries a maximum sentence of 16 years per count, and money laundering, with a possible sentence of up to 10 years per count. 
 
If found guilty, however, the sentence would be determined by the judge, and Lula and the others to stand trial would have chances to appeal. 
 
Turn of fortunes 
 
Nonetheless, simply putting on trial the former president who left office with an 83-percent approval rating sent shockwaves across&nbsp;Brazil. 
 
Lula was widely adored at home and abroad for his exceptional life story, rising from poverty to the presidency, and of being the charismatic, rough-talking former union leader who led massive strikes in the 1980s that helped topple an entrenched military dictatorship. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a huge, grave blow to Lula&#39;s myth,&quot; said Claudio Couto, professor of political science at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) university in Sao Paulo. &quot;Any condemnation of Lula would also end up being a condemnation of the Workers Party.&quot; 
 
The decision and the Petrobras probe as a whole make up a watershed moment for the fight against corruption in&nbsp;Brazil, experts say, where for centuries the rich, powerful and politically connected have enjoyed impunity. 
 
Now they are the target of this country&#39;s most sweeping anti-corruption push ever, which became known to the public two years ago. It has since seen nearly 200 people, including top executives and politicians, facing corruption charges and 83 people already found guilty and jailed. 
 
Federal prosecutors levelled charges against Lula last week, labelling him as the &quot;commander&quot; of the Petrobras graft scheme that they say has caused an estimated 42 billion reais ($12.6 billion) in losses to Petrobras shareholders and tax payers. 
 
It was the first time that Lula, 70, has been charged by federal prosecutors for involvement in the political kickbacks scheme at Petrobras. 
 
He has been indicted separately by a court in Brasilia for obstruction of justice in a case related to an attempt to persuade a defendant in the Petrobras scandal not to turn state&#39;s witness. 
 
Lula&#39;s lawyers have said prosecutors lacked the evidence to back up their accusations and that charges against him amount to political persecution to stop him from running for president in 2018. 
 
But experts say that if the prosecutors&#39; charges are proven, the case against Lula is essential to demonstrate a new strength in rule of law and the determination of institutions to prosecute corruption at the highest levels. 
&quot;It&#39;s a crucial and critical juncture for&nbsp;Brazil, to try such a powerful figure like Lula and, if he is guilty, to send him to jail,&quot; said Carlos Pereira, a professor of public policy at FGV in Rio de Janeiro and one of&nbsp;Brazil&#39;s top experts on corruption. 
 
&quot;Voters now see powerful white guys going to jail - not just poor, black&nbsp;Brazilians, as was always the case.&quot; 
But Pereira also warned that the political fallout if Lula were to be found guilty and sent to jail would be enormous, and that the chances of the PT &quot;disintegrating&quot; even more likely. 
 
&quot;The PT has been an incredibly important party for the re-democratization of&nbsp;Brazil, being the main force that represents leftist groups and created policies that promoted unprecedented social inclusion in our unequal society,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Without the PT, it may take a long time for smaller, left-wing parties to find a new &#39;nucleus&#39; to gravitate around, to provide a healthy counterweight within the political system to the more right-leaning parties,&quot; Pereira added. 
 
(Reuters) 
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Lula da Silvia will face charges of accepting 3.7 million Brazilian reais in bribes connected to a probe at state-run oil company Petrobras

Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial on corruption charges, a crusading federal judge ruled on Tuesday, adding more turbulence to the country's political landscape. Judge Sergio Moro said that Lula, who served as president from 2003-11 and has for two decades been an iconic and powerful political force in Brazil, will face charges of accepting 3.7 million Brazilian reais ($1.14 million) in bribes connected to a sweeping kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras. Moro wrote in his ruling that according to the prosecutors' charges, Lula was a "direct beneficiary" of bribes from, one of the engineering and construction firms at the centre of the graft scandal, and therefore must stand trial. The corruption case will also put on trial Lula's wife, Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva; OAS Chief Executive Jose Aldemario "Leo" Pinheiro; Paulo Okamotto, the president of the Lula Institute, and four others. In an emailed note late on Tuesday, Lula's lawyers again said their client had committed no crime and labelled Moro as a "impartial" judge who was on a witch hunt to see the former leader jailed. Lula, speaking via video link, told an event held by his lawyers in New York that the charges were a "farce." "What's happening isn't getting me down, but just motivates me to go out and talk more," said Lula, adding that he "will keep fighting." Tuesday's events capped an incredibly choppy few weeks for Brazil. Lula's hand-chosen successor Dilma Rousseff was found guilty by the Senate of breaking budget rules and dismissed from the presidency late last month. Her successor, former vice president Michel Temer, has abruptly pulled the country to the political and economic right, and is trying to boost Brazil out of its worst economic recession since the 1930s. Moro's decision may prevent Lula from making a political comeback in the 2018 presidential campaign. It could also derail any hopes the Workers' Party (PT) had of returning to power, or possibly even surviving, according to some experts. Despite the corruption allegations facing the PT and several of its former coalition parties, the most recent polls have shown Lula remains a leading candidate for 2018. Lula was charged with three counts each of corruption, which carries a maximum sentence of 16 years per count, and money laundering, with a possible sentence of up to 10 years per count. If found guilty, however, the sentence would be determined by the judge, and Lula and the others to stand trial would have chances to appeal. Turn of fortunes Nonetheless, simply putting on trial the former president who left office with an 83-percent approval rating sent shockwaves across Brazil. Lula was widely adored at home and abroad for his exceptional life story, rising from poverty to the presidency, and of being the charismatic, rough-talking former union leader who led massive strikes in the 1980s that helped topple an entrenched military dictatorship. "It's a huge, grave blow to Lula's myth," said Claudio Couto, professor of political science at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) university in Sao Paulo. "Any condemnation of Lula would also end up being a condemnation of the Workers Party." The decision and the Petrobras probe as a whole make up a watershed moment for the fight against corruption in Brazil, experts say, where for centuries the rich, powerful and politically connected have enjoyed impunity. Now they are the target of this country's most sweeping anti-corruption push ever, which became known to the public two years ago. It has since seen nearly 200 people, including top executives and politicians, facing corruption charges and 83 people already found guilty and jailed. Federal prosecutors levelled charges against Lula last week, labelling him as the "commander" of the Petrobras graft scheme that they say has caused an estimated 42 billion reais ($12.6 billion) in losses to Petrobras shareholders and tax payers. It was the first time that Lula, 70, has been charged by federal prosecutors for involvement in the political kickbacks scheme at Petrobras. He has been indicted separately by a court in Brasilia for obstruction of justice in a case related to an attempt to persuade a defendant in the Petrobras scandal not to turn state's witness. Lula's lawyers have said prosecutors lacked the evidence to back up their accusations and that charges against him amount to political persecution to stop him from running for president in 2018. But experts say that if the prosecutors' charges are proven, the case against Lula is essential to demonstrate a new strength in rule of law and the determination of institutions to prosecute corruption at the highest levels. "It's a crucial and critical juncture for Brazil, to try such a powerful figure like Lula and, if he is guilty, to send him to jail," said Carlos Pereira, a professor of public policy at FGV in Rio de Janeiro and one of Brazil's top experts on corruption. "Voters now see powerful white guys going to jail - not just poor, black Brazilians, as was always the case." But Pereira also warned that the political fallout if Lula were to be found guilty and sent to jail would be enormous, and that the chances of the PT "disintegrating" even more likely. "The PT has been an incredibly important party for the re-democratization of Brazil, being the main force that represents leftist groups and created policies that promoted unprecedented social inclusion in our unequal society," he said. "Without the PT, it may take a long time for smaller, left-wing parties to find a new 'nucleus' to gravitate around, to provide a healthy counterweight within the political system to the more right-leaning parties," Pereira added. (Reuters)

Brazil's ex-president to stand trial for corruption

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