The first week of his house arrest was marked by a recovery routine at home, with daily physiotherapy sessions, controlled nutrition and frequent medical monitoring, but also by an increase in tension between the former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and the former president’s children, at a time when access to him is restricted and the political weight of those who remain in the immediate surroundings grows.
Doctors have been going to the residence throughout the week to monitor the clinical condition. Surgeon Brasil Ramos Caiado, who accompanies Bolsonaro, has been at the house in recent days. According to reports, the evolution is considered stable, despite the limitations imposed by the recovery. Interlocutors claim that the former president is “doing well” as expected for the situation.
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The family conflict, however, took on a public profile and continued to escalate over the last few days. Last Saturday, deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro angered Michelle by stating, during an event in the United States, that he had produced a video for his father. The statement hit a sensitive point because Bolsonaro is prohibited from accessing his cell phone and social networks under house arrest. By publicly saying that he had made the video, Eduardo raised, albeit indirectly, the suspicion that this type of material could be reaching the former president — which would constitute non-compliance with the measures imposed by the Court. To contain the wear and tear, the former first lady released a statement stating that she had not received any content.
The following day, councilor Carlos Bolsonaro published an enigmatic message on social media in which he criticized organizers of a supposed “right-wing union” which, according to him, “doesn’t help at all and, worse, works to harm Bolsonaro”. Behind the scenes, allies point out that the target was the stepmother, in yet another sign of public wear and tear.
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The reaction came on Thursday, when Michelle shared a video of senator Esperidião Amin, Carlos’ direct opponent in the race for the Senate in Santa Catarina. The publication was read around the councilor as a direct message, amid the internal dispute over space and protagonism within the group.
Reports about the state of health also began to reflect the division. Carlos visited his father on Wednesday and stated that the former president’s health “continues to deteriorate”. Michelle later said that the episodes of hiccups gave a respite and that Bolsonaro is “excited” within the limitations of the situation.
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Routine and isolation
Since leaving the hospital, Bolsonaro has spent most of his time in a reclining bed, with medical advice to reduce stimuli and under frequent monitoring by health professionals. The routine includes respiratory physiotherapy sessions, more controlled eating and constant care to avoid new complications. He has already started eating solid foods again, but remains prohibited from consuming acidic items, such as citrus fruits, coffee and soda.
In his daily life, the former president has spent long periods watching television, focusing on sports broadcasts, including football games, which has helped fill his time amid restrictions. The medical recommendation is stability, with minimal effort and exposure.
Conducting this routine was concentrated on Michelle, who took on not only direct care, but also the organization of the domestic environment and control of access to the former president. Daughters Laura and Letícia help with the routine, including medication, food and visit logistics.
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Dispute over access
The restriction imposed by the court decision, which suspended the use of cell phones and social networks and limited visits to family members, changed the internal balance of the family and increased the weight of those inside the house.
Without direct communication with political allies, Bolsonaro began to depend on the mediation of third parties, which increased Michelle’s importance as the main interlocutor at this time. This rearrangement raised an alarm among the older children, who began to monitor access to the former president more closely.
Carlos visited his father on Wednesday, within the authorized window. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has a different condition: as he acts as a lawyer in the process, he can visit him daily, for up to half an hour.
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In this context, the former president’s defense asked the Federal Supreme Court that Michelle’s brother, Eduardo Torres, be authorized to act as a caregiver. He is the same person who, during the period in which Bolsonaro was imprisoned at the Federal Police Superintendence, was responsible for bringing meals to the former president.
Divided Easter
The expectation is that the three sons will visit Bolsonaro this Saturday, taking advantage of the flexibility for family gatherings during the Easter holiday. The meeting should mark the first broader meeting since the start of the home campaign. They are allowed to stay for up to two hours, spread across three windows throughout the day.
The celebration, however, will be divided. On Saturday, the children will be present. On Sunday, the tendency is for a more restricted format, with just Michelle and the residents of the house.
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