The new attempt by President Jair Bolsonaro (no party) to involve the Armed Forces in defense of his interests is bothering the high military ranks.
Influential general officers from the active and reserve sectors spent Sunday (21) and Monday (22) talking to each other after Bolsonaro suggested using the Army against state governors who apply measures to reduce the circulation of people to try to curb transmission of the new coronavirus.
“Some tyrannies or tyrants are inhibiting the freedom of many of you. You can be sure, our Army is olive green, and so are you. Count on the Armed Forces for democracy and freedom, ” the president told a crowd in front of the Palácio da Alvorada on Sunday.
“They are stretching the rope; I will do anything for my people. That something is what is in our Constitution, our democracy, and our right to come and go, ” said Bolsonaro, who was celebrating his 66th birthday.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon