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France 24
France 24
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François PICARD

Brazil's democracy under pressure: Bitter presidential race upstages bicentennial rallies

THE DEBATE © FRANCE 24

Brazil is celebrating its bicentennial. Four weeks before he stands for re-election, President Jair Bolsonaro is opting for a decidedly martial tone to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a South American giant that has experienced plenty of ups and downs in the 36 years since the generals made way for a return to democracy. 

Is the military parade just a show of pride, or a foreshadowing of what the former army captain may try if, as polls predict, he loses out to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva? Already, Bolsonaro has borrowed from the Trump playbook, refusing to say whether he will accept the result and taking aim at the electoral commission. What's next for Brazil's democracy?

How much has Bolsonaro left his mark on institutions, the economy and the Amazon, where he has gone all in with agro-industry in bulldozing the world's largest rainforest? As Joe Biden struggles to roll back his predecessor's populist legacy, what about the next president of Brazil? All of the Americas are watching a nation that so often serves as a bellwether of changing political winds throughout the region. 

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Juilette Laurain and Imen Mellaz.

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