The arrest of Jair Bolsonaro mobilized his sons and closest allies, who began an internal reorganization process over the weekend to determine who would speak on behalf of the former president during his period of isolation. The assessment among parliamentarians is that despite the clan’s dispersed performance, the leadership role in political expression tends to be focused on Senator Flavio Bolsonaro and former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro.
Parliamentarians close to the family reported that the movement began on Saturday, when Flavio and Carlos Bolsonaro met privately with Senators Rogerio Marinho (PL-RN) and Izalce Lucas (PL-DF), as well as Representatives Pia Cases (PL-DF), Gustavo Jair (PL-GO), Hélio Lopez (PL-RJ) and Zoco (PL-RS). The meeting was held in a sweet shop near the Solar de Brasília condominium, where Bolsonaro was under house arrest, and participants described it as a first attempt to organize the group’s line of action.
According to reports, Flavio led most of the conversation, adopting a cautious rhetoric and seeking consensus to avoid contradictions. The senator sought to hear assessments from his supporters.
The group also discussed what could – or could not – be prioritized in Congress next week, with reference to the draft amnesty for those involved in the January 8, 2023 coup attacks.
– We want to make it clear that those who are speaking objectively and clearly about the whole situation are Senator Flavio, Carlos himself, (Jair) Renan, Ms. Michel, and Eduardo – said Zuko, the leader of the opposition.
But behind the scenes, allies acknowledge that an order of priorities is being built. Flavio is trying to strengthen the role of institutional spokesperson, with the support of the leaders of Centrão and the more traditional wing of the PL. The senator had already held dialogues with the bench, monitoring the reaction of the parties and dealing with issues such as pardoning those involved on January 8.
In contrast, Michel enjoys support among parliamentarians classified as Christians and Bolsonaro’s deputies who say she is the “most legitimate voice” for the family nucleus, especially because of her ability to mobilize the women’s and religious bases.
-In politics, I think it would be a good thing to share with the boys. But in other situations it will be, Damaris says.
The president of the People’s Party, Ciro Nogueira (PI), considers it natural to focus the definition between the two:
-Only Flavio and Michele can speak for Bolsonaro. Naturally, one takes on more of a spokesperson role. It must be Flavio.
Rep. Bebo Nunes (PL-RS) strengthens the senator’s defense:
— Flavio is the eldest son and a senator. He is balanced, has common sense, has broad political knowledge, and gets along well with his father.
In Centrão’s reading, Flavio is seen as the name most prepared to conduct political negotiations and organize the immediate reaction of the right in Congress.
In contrast, Michel is highlighted by allies as a figure capable of “mitigating” the impact of prison on more sensitive segments of the electorate and promoting the discourse of oppression.
Since the arrest, coordination between family members has become fragmented. Carlos remains in charge of networks. Eduardo, in the United States, tries to spread the issue abroad; Jair Renan accompanies his brothers. Parliamentarians appreciate that only Flavio maintains a continuous dialogue with party leaders and is able to structure short-term political responses.
Allies say who will play the role of spokesperson will depend on the routine of visits and the degree of access each family member will have with the former president.