Brazilian Military Leaders Reject Bolsonaro's Post-Election Power Plan

Former President Jair Bolsonaro addresses supporters during a rally in Sao Paulo., Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Bolsonaro and some of his former top aides are under investigation into allegations th

Two former top Brazilian military leaders have revealed to police that former President Jair Bolsonaro proposed a plan for him to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. Both commanders refused the plan and warned Bolsonaro that they would arrest him if he attempted to implement it. The testimonies of Bolsonaro's former Army and Air Force commanders were released by the Supreme Court, marking the first direct mentions of Bolsonaro actively participating in a conspiracy to disregard the election results won by current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The military commanders' statements add to Bolsonaro's legal troubles as prosecutors investigate potential links between the former president and the riots that occurred in Brasilia a week after Lula's inauguration. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized the release of the documents, which detailed meetings where Bolsonaro discussed using legal tools to challenge the election results.

Former Army commander Marco Antônio Freire Gomes testified that Bolsonaro suggested creating a commission to investigate the electoral process's legality and potentially declaring a state of siege. However, both Freire Gomes and former Air Force commander Brig. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior rejected Bolsonaro's proposals, with Freire Gomes warning the former president of legal consequences.

Former military commanders refused Bolsonaro's plan and threatened to arrest him.

Bolsonaro proposed plan to remain in power after losing 2022 election.

Testimonies released by Supreme Court implicate Bolsonaro in election conspiracy.

Baptista Júnior highlighted the significance of Freire Gomes' refusal, stating that it likely prevented a coup attempt. Despite Bolsonaro's denial of any coup involvement, the revelations from the military leaders have raised concerns about his actions surrounding the election and subsequent events.

The testimonies are seen as a turning point in Bolsonaro's relationship with the military, potentially leading to a loss of support. While some of Bolsonaro's allies have downplayed the significance of the revelations, legal experts believe that the statements could form the basis of charges against the former president in the coming months.

As Bolsonaro faces legal challenges and restrictions on running for office until 2030, his role in Brazilian politics remains contentious. The revelations from the military leaders shed light on Bolsonaro's intentions and actions leading up to the post-election unrest, raising questions about his involvement in potential coup plots.