Bolsonaro at a Crossroads: Coup or Concession, Brazil on the Brink of Crisis
The defeated president of Brazil has maintained a deadly silence in the hours following the announcement of the presidential election results and his loss in the second round against Lula da Silva, making 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, Trump-like president.
However, now with Bolsonaro’s silence, it is his supporters who have taken to the streets. These fervent and protesting supporters, who are delusional claimants of their beloved president’s victory, have blocked roads and airports, forcing 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 personnel for an electoral coup. His close associates still promise that he will make a public speech in the coming hours.
