Bolsonaro present, but needs replacement

Today 04:48

There is no doubt that Brazil remains politically polarized, albeit with a significant easing of the aggravated and tense political climate of a few months ago.

In practice, Jair Bolsonaro maintains a strong influence on over 20% of the electorate, this “hard core” of supporters, essentially made up of conservative figures who predated his public and media appearance. In reality, Bolsonaro did not lead a broad and organized mass movement of the right and far-right whose ideology and goals were centered on him; It represented the synthesis of a socio-cultural process that was allegedly exploited by the historical holders of economic and political power. Given his conviction for attempted coup, it is possible that they will soon find a replacement who can meet the new historical challenges.

Bolsonarism consists more of clichés than a sophisticated compendium of political ideals. These ideals often relate to the sociocultural and everyday environment that prevails in the country’s most influential Protestant churches. The political reference to the presence of Heaven as a political actor who would have chosen a leader and a group of citizens capable of directing the destinies of the country is a clear example that the public sphere actually exhibits an “anti-secular matrix” in relation to political debates and democratic public life.

With Bolsonaro’s conviction and the impending order of his arrest, a new political environment appears to be emerging. Symbolically, Bolsonaro’s arrest could represent a further step in the secularization of political society.