Bolsonaro at a Crossroads: Coup or Concession, Brazil on the Brink of Crisis
The defeated president of Brazil has remained deathly silent in the hours following the announcement of the presidential election results, where he lost in the second round to Lula da Silva, and has made no public statements.
In the hours after the results were announced, Bolsonaro’s allies in parliament spoke of accepting the presidential election outcome, reducing concerns about an electoral coup by the extremist and Trump-like president.
However, with Bolsonaro’s silence, his supporters have now taken to the streets, blocking roads and airports. These passionate and protesting supporters, who are delusionally claiming victory for their beloved president, have forced the judiciary and courts to intervene and issue official orders to clear the blockades.
Serious concerns remain about Bolsonaro’s plans, as he is a former army officer, and there are suspicions of a secret plot with some military members for an electoral coup. His close associates still promise that he will make a public speech in the coming hours.