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🇧🇷 Brazil /Elections & Politics

In Argentina, Flávio Bolsonaro Says Brazil Envies Right-Wing Wave in Latin America

From Folha de S.Paulo · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro expressed envy over the rise of right-wing leaders in Latin America, stating Brazil is "stuck in the past."
  • He spoke at a Jewish community event in Buenos Aires, promising to move Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem if elected.
  • Bolsonaro met with Argentine President Javier Milei and criticized Brazil's current government for opposing the designation of Brazilian factions as terrorist organizations by the U.S.

Flávio Bolsonaro, a Brazilian senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, voiced frustration over Brazil's current political direction, stating that Brazilians look at Latin America with "envy" as neighboring countries increasingly elect right-wing leaders. Speaking at a Jewish community event in Buenos Aires, he asserted that while others are "choosing freedom and order," Brazil remains "stuck in the past."

Bolsonaro, who is in Argentina to attend a conference aimed at strengthening regional ties with Israel, directly addressed the Brazilian diaspora. He pledged that if elected, he would move Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, echoing a promise his father made. He also noted that Brazil has lacked a full ambassador to Israel since 2024, highlighting a perceived diplomatic gap.

We Brazilians look at this map [of Latin America] today with a little envy. Because while our neighbors, one by one, choose freedom and order, Brazil is still stuck in the past. We are the missing piece on this map. And I am here to say, without mincing words: in October, this changes.

— Flávio BolsonaroSenator Bolsonaro expressing his view on the political direction of Latin American countries compared to Brazil.

During his visit, Bolsonaro was scheduled to meet with Argentine President Javier Milei. He also took the opportunity to criticize Brazil's current government, accusing it of lobbying against the U.S. designation of major Brazilian criminal factions, the Comando Vermelho (CV) and the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), as terrorist organizations. Bolsonaro contrasted this with regional efforts, citing the "Americas Shield" initiative, which he praised for combating organized crime.

The senator's remarks underscore a broader political narrative within Brazil's right-wing movement, which seeks to align more closely with conservative governments emerging across Latin America. The conference in Buenos Aires, attended by politicians from various countries, aims to foster cooperation on issues such as combating terrorism and antisemitism, promoting shared values between the region and Israel.

Today, in practice, there is no full diplomatic relationship between Brazil and Israel. Brazil has been without an ambassador in Israel since 2024.

— Flávio BolsonaroSenator Bolsonaro discussing Brazil-Israel diplomatic relations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Folha de S.Paulo in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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