Jair Bolsonaro: The Story of the Former Brazilian President

Jair Bolsonaro is one of the most talked-about political leaders in modern Brazil. He served as the 38th President of Brazil from 2019 to 2022. Before becoming president, he spent many years as a soldier and later as a member of Brazil’s National Congress. His time in office brought strong support from many people but also strong criticism from others. Because of this, Bolsonaro remains a very important and controversial figure in Brazilian politics.

This article explains his life, his rise to power, his leadership style, and the impact he had on Brazil. It uses simple words to help everyone understand the main ideas.

Early Life and Military Career

Jair Messias Bolsonaro was born on March 21, 1955, in the town of Glicério in São Paulo state. His family later moved to another part of Brazil, and Bolsonaro grew up in a simple environment. As a young man, he became interested in discipline, order, and military life.

When he was older, Bolsonaro joined the Brazilian Army. He attended military schools and became an officer. During his time in the army, he was known for being outspoken. He sometimes criticized military leaders for what he believed were unfair decisions. Even though this caused some trouble for him, it also made him popular among some lower-rank soldiers.

Bolsonaro left the military in the late 1980s. His years as a soldier shaped many of his beliefs, especially his strong views on crime, discipline, and national pride.

Entry Into Politics

After leaving the army, Bolsonaro decided to enter politics. In 1988, he became a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro. Just two years later, in 1990, he was elected to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, where he served for almost 30 years.

As a lawmaker, Bolsonaro became known for:

·        His support for the military

·        His tough stance on crime

·        His conservative social ideas

·        His criticism of left-wing governments

·        His direct and sometimes harsh speaking style

He often made statements that caused debate across the country. Many people disagreed with his ideas, but some people appreciated him for speaking openly and strongly.

Over time, Bolsonaro gained a loyal group of supporters. They felt that other politicians were corrupt or dishonest, while Bolsonaro spoke plainly and promised to defend traditional values.

Path to the Presidency

In 2018, Brazil was facing political division, corruption scandals, economic problems, and rising crime. Many citizens were frustrated with traditional political parties. In this environment, Bolsonaro ran for president with the message that he would fight corruption, support police and the military, and bring order back to the country.

His campaign was very active on social media. His simple messages, often delivered directly through online videos, reached millions of people. Bolsonaro presented himself as an outsider who could “fix Brazil.”

In October 2018, Bolsonaro won the presidential election. His supporters celebrated him as a leader who would change Brazil. His critics, however, worried that his strong statements and admiration for military rule might threaten democracy.

Bolsonaro’s Presidency (2019–2022)

Bolsonaro’s time as president was full of major events, intense debates, and strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

1. Economy

Bolsonaro promised to improve Brazil’s economy. His government worked to reduce taxes, cut government spending, and make the economy more friendly to businesses. Some sectors supported these changes. However, Brazil continued to face economic challenges, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

2. Environment and the Amazon

One of the most debated issues during his presidency was the Amazon Rainforest. Critics said Bolsonaro’s policies encouraged deforestation and weakened environmental protection. Bolsonaro argued that the forest could be used responsibly to help the economy and create jobs. Environmental groups around the world closely watched his decisions.

3. COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic was one of the biggest tests of his leadership. Bolsonaro was criticized for downplaying the seriousness of COVID-19, questioning vaccines, and opposing lockdowns. His supporters agreed with him that the economy should not be shut down. But health experts and many others argued that the government should have taken stricter measures.

Brazil recorded many COVID-19 cases and deaths during this time, which led to intense public debate.

4. Public Safety and Crime

Bolsonaro took a very strong position against criminals. He supported giving more power to police and increasing punishments for violent crimes. Many Brazilians agreed with his tough approach, especially those living in areas affected by crime. Others worried that his policies might lead to more police violence.

5. Relations With Other Countries

Bolsonaro formed close ties with some world leaders and took strong positions on foreign policy. His government often criticized countries with left-wing governments and supported countries with conservative leaders.

6. Political Style

Bolsonaro’s style was direct, emotional, and confrontational. He often used social media to communicate, sometimes making statements that surprised or shocked the public.

People who supported him said he was honest and brave. People who opposed him said his words were harmful and divisive.

The 2022 Election and Aftermath

In the 2022 presidential election, Bolsonaro ran for a second term but lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula). It was a close election, and the country remained divided. Some of Bolsonaro’s supporters questioned the results, but Brazil’s election authorities confirmed that the vote was free and fair.

After leaving office, Bolsonaro continued to be an influential political figure. He still has millions of supporters who see him as a defender of patriotism, faith, and order. At the same time, he faces legal investigations and criticism from other groups.

Why Bolsonaro Remains Important

Even after his presidency ended, Bolsonaro continues to shape Brazilian politics. His party, his supporters, and his ideas remain strong in many parts of the country. Some people view him as a symbol of change and resistance. Others see him as a threat to democracy and the environment.

Bolsonaro’s impact can be seen in:

·        The growth of conservative movements in Brazil

·        Increased political use of social media

·        Stronger debates about the Amazon and the environment

·        New discussions about law, order, and public safety

·        Deep political divisions between left and right

Whether people agree with him or disagree with him, Bolsonaro changed the political landscape of Brazil.

Jair Bolsonaro’s life story is full of energy, conflict, and passion. From his early days as a soldier, to his long years in Congress, to his turbulent presidency, he has always been a figure who creates strong reactions. His leadership style, his decisions, and his words continue to influence Brazil even today.

Some call him a hero who fights corruption and protects traditional values. Others call him a dangerous politician who divides the country and harms democracy. These differences show how deeply he has affected Brazilian society.

What is certain is that Bolsonaro will remain an important figure in Brazil’s political history. His rise and fall reveal much about the hopes, fears, and struggles of modern Brazil.