Leaders from PT, União Brasil, PSDB, MDB, PSB, and PDT agree that the country should be concerned about President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) potentially attempting an electoral coup in the face of his recent attacks on the electoral system and the judiciary.
Folha questioned politicians in recent days about possible risks. Folha also sought out the heads of the three Powers, higher courts, the Federal Public Ministry, and business and civil society representatives.
None of the main authorities of the Republic –the presidents of the Chamber, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), of the Federal Supreme Court, Luiz Fux, and the head of the Federal Public Ministry, Augusto Aras– wanted to share their opinion on the matter.
The Brazilian Bar Association, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, Fiesp (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo), the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, and the Brazilian Federation of Banks also remained silent.
This Monday (16), in a shouting speech interspersed with profanity during lunch with businessmen linked to the supermarket sector in São Paulo, Bolsonaro said that "we may have troubled elections" and that he will never be arrested.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon