EXCLUSIVE: Bolsonaro Will Return to Lead Opposition in Brazil During ‘Uncertain Times’

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro spoke out about leadership, his current political agenda and his outlook for the future in an interview with The Epoch Times on March 4th at the U.S. Conservative Political Action Conference.

Bolsonaro spoke out about plans to travel to Brazil in the next month. “I will once again be the leader of the opposition to the current government.”

When asked whether he fears retaliation from the current administration, Bolsonaro said his country is enduring “uncertain times,” He might also face legal action by the government’s judicial branch. “I have not been indicted. There’s nothing against me when it comes to corruption. But, unfortunately, there might be some forceful measure taken against me, which would be completely unfair.”

Bolsonaro claims that many Congressmen are in his support and against this, however “communism” “corruption” of the new administration.

Since the last presidential election in Brazil, there have been complaints about government abuses by Brazil’s highest court. Reports from residents include canceled accounts on social media and threats to arrest those who question the official results.

Bolsonaro lost a tight election race in 2022 against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known locally as “Lula.”

The former president’s supporters fiercely contest the election results, which drove Jan. 8 demonstrations at Brazil’s federal buildings in the capital.

Bolsonaro believes that Lula’s victory represents more than a victory for leftists. It is an opportunity to extend the reach of regimes from countries like Venezuela or Iran in America.

Officials from the White House raised alarm after two Iranian warships docked in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 26. They were then given permission to remain until March 4. This happened despite American pressure to have the vessels turned away.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Ned Price, said the White House was discussing the situation with its Brazilian partners so Iran can’t “acquire a foothold” In the Americas “is not able to take advantage of others in our hemisphere.”

Bolsonaro wasn’t surprised when Iranian warships showed up on Brazilian beaches. Bolsonaro expected Lula’s government would become. “close” To countries that have a strong authoritarian system.

Lula started reestablishing relations with Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president before he was even elected to office. Lula declared that Brazil will once more have diplomatic relations with Caracas in December 2022. Bolsonaro had suspended them in 2020.

Lula was also close to Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega when he served as his president.

Bolsonaro stated that the Iranian navy arrived at Iran’s port. “If I were president, these warships would not be there.”

He maintains, however that Brazil will be in the same down spiral as Venezuela if it doesn’t alter its political direction by 2026.

Bolsonaro believes that Lula might not live to see his term’s end as inflation continues its impact on Brazilians, and the country is in recession. Bolsonaro predicts that people will soon turn against Lula. “there is great unemployment and a lack of investments by private companies.”

Between March and December 2013, Brazil’s unemployment rate was over 11 percent. The most recent economic report The South American superpower is facing a downturn in 2023 due to the rising interest rate and cooling market.

Bolsonaro is certain that this will lead to overwhelming anger against Lula’s government. As proof, he points out the present economic problems of socialist regimes across Latin America, such as Chile and Argentina.

Even though there are some warning signs, socialism has still been popular with younger generations in America and Canada. Bolsonaro says it can be “very difficult” It is difficult to influence young minds, because the images of socialism painted by years of schooling are not based in reality.

“Unfortunately, the majority of youth cannot really see what is really obvious,” He said.

Bolsonaro believes that Brazil can be saved from its political and economic woes by one man. He believes that it is now time for Brazil to get past its election loss and look forward. “Right now, we must think forward. We must bring the people to our side.”