Michel Temer is Criticized after Releasing 'Retouched' Official Photo and Considers Changing Portrait

01/26/2017 - 14h17

The release of the official Presidential portrait of Michel Temer with the Presidential sash generated controversy on Wednesday (the 25th) and the government is likely to modify the image.

The photograph was distributed to the press as part of a strategy to measure its impact on public opinion and on social networks.

On the internet, the portrait was criticized for having been digitally edited and comical images were created from it.

Due to the negative reactions, aides and advisors realized that the portrait would have to be modified to make improvements in the context and to correct imperfections.

In a written communication, the Presidential Palace's Press Agent declared that the portrait was a "preliminary version of the official photo".

On social networks there was also speculation that Temer had posed with the sash worn inside out, based on a comparison with the one used by Dilma Rousseff in her official portrait.

	Orlando Brito/Divulgação
	Pfficial Presidential portrait of Michel Temer

The prop used by the PMDB (Brazilian Democratic Movement Party) Party leader, however, isn't the same one. The sash used by Temer has been seen previously in portraits of former presidents Lula and Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

Initially, the President had been reluctant to pose for an official portrait. Back in October, he was convinced of the symbolic importance of the official portrait including its reaffirmation that he is the legitimate president, combating the opposition's argument that there was a "coup".

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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