The far-right leader bid farewell to supporters on Friday before departing for the United States, where his plans are unclear.
Outgoing President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro has left the country for the United States, avoiding the inauguration of the upcoming President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvawho defeated him in the country’s October elections.
Bolsonaro left Brazil on Friday, believed to have flown to the US state of Florida after delivering his final speech to his supporters, some of whom have promoted a military coup in the wake of the failed military coup. his election.
In a tearful speech, Bolsonaro said he had “lost the battle but not the war” and distanced himself from recent acts of political violence by his supporters, saying he “did not encourage any anyone who joins the confrontation.”
The far-right leader has stayed for most Out of sight after his defeat, and his plans for the future remain unclear. The website FlightAware, which tracks air traffic, shows the president’s plane left the capital Brasilia just after 2 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT) and was en route to Orlando, Florida.
Vice President Hamilton Mourao has temporarily become acting president of the country and confirmed that Bolsonaro has left the country. Bolsonaro has repeatedly stated that he did not want to pass the presidential scarf over to Lula during the inauguration.
Before Lula’s inauguration on January 1, officials took additional security precautions, including temporarily gun ban in the capital, as the transition of power comes amid heightened tensions and fears of violence.
For years, Bolsonaro spread anti-democratic rhetoric and sowing doubt on the integrity of Brazil’s electoral system, hinting that he would refuse to resign if he lost the election to his leftist opponent.
After the defeat on October 31, Bolsonaro did not explicitly concede but stated that he Will follow country’s constitution. He served a single term as president.
Some of his supporters refused to accept the results, camping out in front of the army barracks to urge the military to intervene to reverse the election results.
On December 12, members of a camp attack Federal police headquarters in Brasilia after official confirmation of the election results earlier in the day. And last Saturday, a man was arrested for allegedly trying to put a bomb to protest Lula’s victory. He said that Bolsonaro inspired him to build an arsenal.
Bolsonaro condemned that attempt as an “act of terrorism” and said the suspect “had ideas not shared by any citizen”.
The far-right leader could also face a number of legal challenges once his term officially ends and his presidential immunity expires. The country’s Supreme Court is investigating him for allegedly disclosing classified information and illegally interfering in a police investigation.
Some have noted that, despite Bolsonaro’s defeat, the country’s conservative movement performed well in the October elections and will remain a powerful force in Brazilian politics.
“I’m on a flight,” Bolsonaro was quoted by CNN Brasil television on Friday. “Be back soon.”
