Good Standing With Bolsonaro Pleases And Worries Military Leaders

Armed Forces officials fear that the institution becomes associated with failures in an eventual Bolsonaro government

Igor Gielow
Brasília

Jair Bolsonaro's large advantage in the presidential dispute is putting the Brazilian Armed Forces leadership in a dilemma.

The military's good standing in an eventual Bolsonaro government will reach unprecedented levels since the democracy reinstatement in 1985. This new situation concerns Army, Navy and Air Force leaders that Folha talked to because they are aware that further militarization can turn against the institution.

The identified risk has two fronts. First, the Military will be the first to be attacked in case Bolsonaro makes controversial proposals or suggestions that remind people of the military dictatorship (1964-1985).

And discussions about wage increases will be seen as favoritism.

Army General Antonio Hamilton Martins Mourão (left), Bolsonaro's running mate, cries during his retirement ceremony in February 2018 - Folhapress

The Ministry of Defense already negotiated with the candidate to keep the same team that liaisons with lawmakers. That way, they can maintain their positions separate from the Executive branch.

Another issue is the public safety agenda that will be presented to the Congress, in case of Bolsonaro's election. A general that requested anonymity says he is worried about what he calls a generalization of Bolsonaro's opinions on the topics.

The candidate has already proposed that military police officers that kill people during action should not be brought to trial. But the Army took years to approve a bill that allowed soldiers who killed people to be put on trial within the military justice system, instead of the civil one. For the general, Bolsonaro's suggestion implies that the military wants free reign to kill, instead of what the leaders consider a better-suited legal framework.

Translated by NATASHA MADOV

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