Even though he was ineligible, when there was at least a shred of hope that he could reverse his political situation, he showed impressive strength to beat Lula in the elections
Bolsonaro fell from grace. Arrested, sick, away from family, friends and voters. Just a sketch of that vigorous president who carried crowds across the country. He was the greatest conservative leader in the history of Brazil.
Even though he was ineligible, when there was at least a shred of hope that he could reverse his political situation, he showed impressive strength to beat Lula in the elections. His political muscle is so powerful that just the fact of nominating his son Flávio Bolsonaro to run already puts him at zero among the competitive names in the polls.
Leave or stay within the four lines?
Where did Bolsonaro go wrong? This is a recurring question. Condemned by the courts, but with followers who were not completely convinced. Criticized by many of his allies for remaining within the four lines of the Constitution. There were many who encouraged the then president to kick in the door with both feet.
Today it is possible to hear that a large part of Bolsonaro’s voters were disappointed in him. They are people who consider him weak, without the initiative to face “the system” head on. For this group, politics should be an act of permanent rupture, and the leader, a character willing to take the conflict to its ultimate consequences.
The temptation of bravado
Bolsonaro’s mistake, however, was in the opposite direction of the complaints of those who led him to the presidency. He didn’t kick the door with both feet, but he put his feet in by his hands. He made undue bravado. He said what he shouldn’t have said. He promised what he couldn’t keep.
He spoke, he shouted, but he didn’t stop speaking. Every time he puffed out his chest to shout, the conservatives thought: now go. And common sense asked: but where are you going? Did anyone imagine that they would set up a ring in Praça dos Três Poderes to call their enemies to fight?
Words without filter
After boasting, a day, two, three, a week would pass, and everything would still be the same size. The scenes starring Bolsonaro recalled the words of Cervantes: “While there is a threat, the threatened rests”. From one unfulfilled threat to another, the credits of that “brave” Chief Executive were fading away and eroding the trust of even the most faithful.
It is worth remembering emblematic moments of these madness. Excited by the presence of the crowd ready to applaud every lyric he uttered, he fell into the trap of making his mouth work faster than the filters of his thoughts. In rhetorical populism, the inflammatory word replaces the project, and the protocol gesture takes the place of concrete action.
It’s fucking over!
A symbolic moment occurred on 05/28/2020. Outraged by the decision of Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who had ordered searches against government supporters, he said: “It’s fucking over!” Soon after, he tried to soften: “I’m sorry for the outburst. It’s over!” And nothing ended. He had to step back so as not to complicate his own situation.
The Bolsonarists tried to explain: “The Captain is a strategist. Wait.” But the tactic didn’t come out of the manual.
I authorize
In April 2021 he started screaming again. He called on the population: “I’m waiting for the people to give a signal.” On May 1st, protesters took to the streets chanting: “I authorize, I authorize”.
The demonstration was so resounding that even Bolsonaro himself was surprised. He renewed the agreement: “We will give the last warning”.
September 7th
The gang started the fight and mobilized on Avenida Paulista. It was an impressive meeting. It was clear that Bolsonaro had no idea what to do. Take a corporal and a soldier and knock on the STF’s door? Out of the question. The Armed Forces were not willing to apply article 142. What would be the next step? Another authorization request?
Without saying what he intended to do, he attacked the minister again. Two days later, advised by Michel Temer, he released a letter softening his statements, saying “he had no intention of attacking the powers”.
All this bravado could have been avoided. He would not create expectations he could not fulfill nor would he have deepened institutional antagonism. Politics demands responsible speech: when the speech promises rupture but delivers accommodation, the leader loses symbolic authority and becomes a caricature of himself. In politics, bravado without action is the shortest path to irrelevance.
Everything indicates that Flávio Bolsonaro adopts a different behavior from his father, more measured and conciliatory. Perhaps this is the greatest legacy that Bolsonaro left to his son: not how to do it, but how not to do it. Follow on Instagram: @polito
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
