Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro is back in Brazil after three months in the United States. Bolsonaro arrived at Brasília Airport from Orlando, as reported by CNN Brasil.
Contrary to expectations, the 68-year-old was not greeted by thousands of supporters, but only by a group, as can be seen in photos and videos. The right-wing ex-president was expected to go straight to his Liberal Party headquarters. Security measures in the Brazilian capital had been tightened for fear of violent demonstrations.
Bolsonaro was defeated by left-wing politician Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the runoff election for the presidency in the largest country in Latin America in October 2022. Two days before the end of his term on New Year’s Eve, Bolsonaro flew to the United States with his family, where he has been ever since. According to media reports, he applied for a six-month tourist visa.
Bolsonaro supporters stormed the seat of government
On January 8, Bolsonaro supporters, who did not want to recognize Lula’s election victory, stormed Congress, the seat of government and the Supreme Court in Brasília, causing considerable damage. The Supreme Court, based in the capital, is investigating, among other things, “intellectual authorship” and the role of Bolsonaro.
The ex-head of state is part of several investigations that can lead to prison sentences that can definitely make Bolsonaro unelectable in the 2026 presidential elections in Brazil. Before his departure from Orlando, the main figure of the right in Brazil had told “CNN Brasil” that he did not want to become the leader of the opposition in his homeland. Bolsonaro emphasized that he would continue to work for his party. For example, he wants to travel through Brazil and talk to supporters.
