January 1, 2019
Jair Bolsonaro took office as the President of Brazil.
Brasilia, Brazil | Government of Brazil
On January 1, 2019, Jair Bolsonaro officially took office as the 38th President of Brazil. The inauguration ceremony took place in the capital city, Brasília, marking a significant moment in Brazilian politics.
Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain and long-serving congressman, emerged on the Brazilian political scene as a right-wing candidate promising to tackle corruption, crime, and economic stagnation. His campaign gained momentum in the wake of major corruption scandals that had engulfed previous administrations, most notably the Operation Car Wash investigation.
The inauguration ceremony involved a series of traditional events:
Parade and Procession: Bolsonaro arrived at the Esplanade of Ministries in an open-top Rolls-Royce, accompanied by his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro. This was followed by a procession to the National Congress.
Swearing-in Ceremony: The formal swearing-in occurred at the National Congress, where Bolsonaro took the presidential oath, pledging to uphold the Constitution of Brazil and govern in the best interest of the Brazilian people.
Speech: In his inaugural address, Bolsonaro reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and crime, advocating for economic reforms, and emphasizing the importance of restoring family values and national pride.
Military and Cultural Displays: The ceremony included military honors and cultural displays, reflecting both Bolsonaro’s background and the rich diversity of Brazilian traditions.
Bolsonaro’s victory and subsequent inauguration signaled a shift in Brazil’s political landscape. His election was seen as a departure from the leftist policies of his predecessors, such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. This shift aligned Brazil more closely with other right-wing governments globally, emphasizing deregulation and privatization.
Bolsonaro’s presidency was characterized by a strong emphasis on conservative policies, efforts to reform pension systems, and controversial environmental policies, particularly concerning the Amazon rainforest. His leadership style and approach to governance sparked significant domestic and international debate and scrutiny.
His tenure has since left a lasting impact on Brazilian politics, influencing both policy direction and public discourse in the country.
Source: www.bbc.com