Protests from Bolsonaro supporters: army commits to democracy British minister writes about layoffs on Twitter

Following Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s narrow election victory in Brazil and demonstrations by supporters of outvoted right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro, the military has rejected calls for intervention. Brazil’s navy, army and air force strengthened their commitment to democracy in a joint statement on Friday (local time).

They also recognized the constitutionally guaranteed right to demonstrate. But they also pointed out that “possible restrictions on this right should be condemned” and “possible excesses in the protests”.

Numerous Bolsonaro supporters demonstrated in front of several barracks in the South American country against the second-round victory of leftist ex-president Lula (early 2003 – late 2010) against incumbent Bolsonaro in late October. In many states and in key cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, they called for military action on suspicion of fraud over the narrow election results.

Bolsonaro, himself a captain in the reserve, is considered an admirer of the military dictatorship (1964-1985) in Brazil. During his tenure, he brought many serving and former officers into the government and administration. He also repeatedly questioned Brazil’s electronic voting system, announcing that he might not recognize defeat. His radical supporters repeatedly called for a military coup against the judiciary and parliament. However, the armed forces never responded. (sda/dpa)