Brazil's Outgoing Leader Jair Bolsonaro Flees to Florida Ahead of Political Nemesis Lula's Inauguration

Brazil's outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro has flown to the United States to skip the inauguration of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who narrowly defeated him in the October elections.

Al Jazeera reported that after a farewell speech to his supporters, some of whom have called for a military coup in the wake of his election loss, Bolsonaro left Brazil on Friday and flew to Florida.

Bolsonaro, in a tearful speech, said that he had "lost the battle but not the war" and that he "did not encourage anyone to enter confrontation" from recent acts of political violence by his supporters.

Since his defeat, the far-right leader has largely disappeared from public view, and his future intentions are unknown.

The presidential plane departed Brasilia, the country's capital, at around 2 p.m. local time, going to Orlando, Florida.

Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil Sends His Message Through Live Broadcast

The farewell message was shared through a live broadcast on social media ahead of Jair Bolsonaro's Florida flight.

He noted the high points of his presidency, tried to clear his name, and encouraged his supporters to continue the fight against Lula by recounting those same events.

The bomb plot, according to Bolsonaro, was an unjustifiable "terrorist act." The outgoing president stayed away from George Washington Sousa, who confessed to making the bomb, and told police that he was inspired by Bolsonaro's call to arms to build an arsenal of weapons and explosives, Daily Mail reported.

The Brazilian president said, "The man had ideas that any citizen does not share, but now they classify him as a 'Bolsonarista'."

Bolsonaro has also praised the protesters camped outside army barracks throughout the country who called on the military to stage a coup.

However, he stressed that he had not urged violence and that his followers had only wanted freedom. He also claimed there was no planning or no organization behind the "spontaneous" demonstrations.

Many on the right are disappointed by Bolsonaro's quick departure, especially given the damage to his reputation caused by his post-election silence.

In preparation for the upcoming election in 2026, his political allies want him to head the conservative opposition to Lula again.

A witness claims that during his speech, some of his most ardent supporters shouted "coward" as they greeted him at the entrance to the Alvorada Palace, the presidential home where he resided.

His departure reportedly left those he left behind feeling abandoned. The outgoing president of Brazil is traditionally tasked with handing over the ceremonial ribbon to the new leader.

However, Bolsonaro has repeatedly said he did not want to pass the presidential sash to Lula during the inauguration on January 1.

Vice President Hamilton Mourao temporarily became Brazil's acting president after Bolsonaro left.

Jair Bolsonaro Grants Lula Team's Request Before Leaving

According to CNN, Jair Bolsonaro lifted a ban on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other government officials entering Brazil on Friday.

The incoming president's press secretary said they were asked to reconsider the ban by Lula's camp as inauguration organizers extended an invitation to Maduro.

Bolsonaro signed the ordinance that banned Maduro and others last August. On Friday, a new law was published in the government's official journal that went into effect immediately.

After Bolsonaro's government has taken an antagonistic stance toward Brazil's Latin American neighbor, Maduro confirmed on social media last month that he and Lula had agreed to resume a "cooperation agenda" between the two countries.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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