Brazil's own Donald Trump: Jair Bolsonaro
What's the story
Donald Trump's win in the US has taught pollsters not to ignore fringe candidates who propound bigoted views on racism and homosexuality among other things. Riding on their personal antics and media obsession with them, these candidates, to the liberals' shock have found mass support. Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, a potential Presidential candidate seems to be on the same path. Let's know more about him!
About
Who is Jair Bolsonaro?
Jair Messias Bolsonaro is Congressman representing Rio de Janeiro in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, elected from the Progressive Party in 2014. Reputed as a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, Bolsonaro is famous for his far-right opinions. Ranked high in pre-poll predictions, he is also looking to contest in the Brazilian Presidential polls, 2018 and has gained mass support for his candidature.
Context
The rise of Jair Bolsonaro
Ongoing revelations and proceedings on rampant corruption within the country's top political class has in a way facilitated Bolsonaro's rise. Similar to Trump's rise in America, the Brazilian population's resentment against high inflation, crime and unemployment has further forced them to look to Bolsonaro for a change. His Presidential ambitions have further been given credence from an expanding evangelist support base.
Political viewpoints
I'm not good, but the others are very bad: Bolsonaro
Extremely anti-gay and racist, he has stated that he'd rather have a dead son over a gay son. He has further stated that fundamentalist homosexual groups are taking over the society. "This idea of 'oh poor little black person, poor little poor person, oh poor little woman, , everybody's a poor little something! I don't please everybody," he mentioned while talking to Vice News.
Public image
How has media facilitated Bolsonaro's rise?
Bolsonaro is reported to have a charismatic persona that has enabled him to become the face of change in Brazil. His Facebook page has 4 million likes, way more than previous presidents Dilma Rousseff or Lula de Silva. Popular Brazilian magazines and TV shows have further covered his rise, effectively giving him a platform to voice his opinions and reach out to people.
Conclusion
Can Bolsonaro become Brazil's next President?
Gustavo Muller, a Brazilian political commentator notes, Bolsonaro's candidacy would only prosper in a situation of social chaos and rampant violence. Also, all far-right candidates, Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders faced defeats in Netherlands and France respectively, after popular movements. Factors including corruption charges against his contender and former President de Silva and Brazilians' resentment against status quo increase Bolsonaro's chances.