Conservative movements in Brazil and abroad suggest that former president Jair Bolsonaro seek refuge in foreign embassies in Brazil.
Speculation gained momentum after statements by allies such as Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president, and Paulo Figueiredo, grandson of former president João Figueiredo. Both reinforce the narrative that Bolsonaro is being the victim of political persecution in an alleged move to consolidate Brazil as a “left-wing dictatorship”.
On Thursday (28), Jair Bolsonaro also mentioned the possibility of seeking asylum. “Embassy, from what I see in the history of the world, whoever feels persecuted can go there. If I owed anything, I would be in the United States, I wouldn’t have come back,” he said. in an interview with the portal UOL.
He added: “We live in a world of arbitrary actions. I can’t go to sleep worried that the Federal Police will be at my house tomorrow morning. I’ve already had three search and seizure operations. Absurd, absurd. I’m taking the risk, without owing anything.”
Legal threats and political scenario
The speech comes at a delicate time for the former president, who was indicted last week, along with 36 other people, by the Federal Police (PF).
The charges involve attempted coup d'état, violent abolition of the rule of law and criminal organization.
Bolsonaro, however, downplayed the incidents: “What was that plan? To stage a coup with a retired general, three or four officers and a PF agent? There are about 500 people working in the presidential building. Do I know what each one of them is doing?” he highlighted.
Bolsonaro was also questioned about the alleged assassination attempt against then-president Lula, vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) and minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF. “What is this Green and Yellow Dagger plan that you speak of? It is from 2022. I have no idea what it is. Has it started to be put into practice? As far as I know, no,” he replied.
For me, it's a great story. The Federal Police does what the minister (Alexandre de Moraes) wants. You just need to know the audios from Airton Viera (Moraes' investigating judge) to Tagliaferro (Eduardo Tagliaferro, an employee of the TSE): "Be creative" (expression used by Airton to Tagliaferro when requesting an investigation into a magazine). Then what they do are assumptions, added Bolsonaro.
Asylum options
Among the possible embassies that could offer refuge to the former president, the following stand out:
- Hungary: Led by Viktor Orbán, an ultraconservative ally who has shown support for right-wing leaders in other countries.
- Argentina: Under the leadership of the newly elected Javier Milei, there is also a chance that Bolsonaro will receive diplomatic support.
- United States: An alternative that depends on Donald Trump's return to the presidency, starting in 2025, given the close relationship between the two politicians.
- Italy: Under the leadership of conservative Giorgia Meloni, Italy maintains close dialogue with the Brazilian right. In this case, Bolsonaro has a difference: he is, according to current legislation, an Italian. “Children of Italians are Italians.”
Italian citizenship as an asset
Although the former president has not officially confirmed it, it is speculated that he has initiated the process of recognizing the Italian citizenship in 2023. While his sons confirm this, Bolsonaro avoids the subject.
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