In a recent interview with Jovem Pan radio, President Jair Bolsonaro continued to flirt with the labor force during the coronavirus crisis, going against all public health advice he has been receiving.
He said that he has a "decree ready" to release trade in the cities now with restrictions and said that there are "powerful people" who want to see him removed from the presidency. "A president can do a lot, but he can't do everything. I can only make certain decisions with the people at my side," he said, asking the population to support him.
His words had repercussions among prominent members of the Judiciary and Congress, who are still trying to change the constitution in order to pay R $ 600 to the most disadvantaged under the economic impact of the health crisis.
Bolsonaro is betting he could be a tropical Viktor Orbán, but he lacks the tools to do so. The Hungarian prime minister, incidentally the Brazilian's ideological ally, first conquered political power in the Legislature and then assaulted the Justice, dismembering competences.
Orbán started in 2010 when he took over. Only now, with the crisis, has he managed to pass on a package of full powers to govern by decree, and he still has Europe all over his feet to make him go back. Bolsonaro does not have such a framework.
The appeal to the "people" recalls another episode, from 1961, when President Jânio Quadros made a confused attempt at self-coup that, without support, resulted in resignation. There remain the "terrible forces," never named, which now echo in the "powerful people" in Brasilia.
The narrative arc of Bolsonarism has always predicted this clash. He was elected, after all, promising to "break the system." He admits, however, that his attempt will not be easy. He sees the Supreme and Congress as his main enemy.
For some observers, this admission may be a solution in itself if taken to the ultimate consequences. Perhaps not what Bolsonaro and his fiercest supporters naturally desire.
Besides, it follows the public humiliation session of Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta (Saúde). Still, at this point, it is not exactly a novelty, given that the president does not seem to have the option of dismissing him in the middle of an emergency.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon