President Jair Bolsonaro said on TV and radio on Monday (7) that he defends democracy, but he again praised the 1964 coup that started the military dictatorship. To show their disapproval, Brazilians in cities like São Paulo, Rio, and Brasília clanged pots and pans.
"In the 1960s, when the shadow of communism threatened us, millions of Brazilians, identified with the national yearnings for the preservation of democratic institutions, took to the streets against a country overtaken by ideological radicalization, strikes, social disorder, and widespread corruption," said the president.
He made the statements on radio and TV to celebrate Brazil's Independence Day.
Still in his speech, the president declared that he was committed to constitutional values and democracy.
"The moment we celebrate this extraordinary date, I reiterate, as President of the Republic, my love for the country and my commitment to the Constitution and the preservation of sovereignty, democracy, and freedom, values that our country will never give up on."
Bolsonaro adopted a nationalist tone, extolling the formation of the Brazilian people and military achievements. In his speech, he promoted an idealized historical view that is criticized and considered outdated by academics. This aspect exalts the miscegenation that occurred in Brazil as if it had developed harmoniously, without conflicts and valuing all peoples.
"Religions, beliefs, behaviors, and visions were assimilated and respected," said the president, ignoring, among other facts, the catechization of the Indians.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon