Former Brazilian President
Jair Bolsonaro
showed on Tuesday night his intention to continue to be involved in his country's politics,
but from afar.
After asking the United States authorities to extend his visa for another half a year, the former president decided to launch an event in Orlando (Florida), where
he again sowed doubts
about the results of the elections he lost to Luiz Inácio Lula in October. da Silva.
"We cannot abandon politics," the far-right ex-president declared before
some 400 followers
.
"I am 67 years old and I intend to remain active in Brazilian politics," he promised them.
Bolsonaro received the love of his supporters at this tribute event organized by
Yes Brazil USA,
a
conservative
organization of the Brazilian diaspora in the United States.
Bolsonaro received the love of his supporters at this tribute event organized by Yes Brazil USA.
Photo: EFE
The chosen location, the ballroom of a restaurant located in a shopping center, next to a bowling alley,
became a party
upon arrival.
"I have never been so popular. Last year was much better than in 2018 (when he won the elections)," said Bolsonaro, who veiledly questioned the result of the elections against the leftist Lula.
"Many people
are still shocked
by what happened in the elections," he added.
"In the end,
we are left with a question mark
in our heads. But we will face this moment and, God willing, together we will win."
The far-right leader flew to Florida on December 30, two days before the end of his term, and did not attend Lula's inauguration.
Bolsonaro in an act with his followers.
Photo: EFE
Condemns the events of January 8
Nine days later, in Brasilia, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters, dissatisfied with his defeat in the October presidential elections, stormed the presidential Palace of the Planalto, the Congress and the Federal Supreme Court (STF).
Some acts that the former president condemned again this Tuesday: "I regret what some inconsistent people did on January 8. That is not our right,
that is not our people
."
Far from these investigations and from a country that he said he misses a lot, Bolsonaro took
a mass bath in Orlando.
His fans hugged him, took selfies with him and cheered before the act began.
His followers hugged him, took selfies with him and cheered.
Photo: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
And then, sitting in an armchair on stage, he attended
all kinds of tributes
for an hour : a prayer in his name, two songs and several
praise speeches
about his management at the head of Brazil.
When he finally spoke, the room rose to its feet and
roared with joy.
Among those Bolsonaro faithful, people of all ages, was Daniela Estebes.
This 46-year-old lawyer, a Brazilian living in Florida, did not want to miss the act of
a man she admires.
"He is one of the best presidents we had in Brazil, without a doubt," she enthused before the event.
A restaurant ballroom located in an Orlando shopping center was the location of the meeting.
Photo: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
Near her, in a long waiting line where many wore the colors of the Brazilian flag, Ross Caviccioli lamented Lula's victory.
"Things in Brazil are not good right now, in the last month, in the last few weeks, and we believe that
Brazil deserves a better president
," said the 45-year-old Brazilian.
The event on Tuesday was
Bolsonaro's first public act
since his arrival in Orlando, where he has been living in a house owned by former Brazilian martial arts fighter José Aldo.
On Monday it was learned that he had requested a visa to be able to stay six more months in the country.
AFP
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