Politics1 min read

Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's true leader after fleeing to US

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Facing active investigations into money laundering and illegal currency transfers, Flavio Bolsonaro traveled with his family to the United States after losing the presidential runoff. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had previously ordered him to surrender his passports, prompting domestic officials to cancel his Brazilian documents before his departure. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the exit, especially as investigators examine Bolsonaro's alleged financial ties to jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro regarding roughly $24 million intended for a film project.

Key points

  • The defeated candidate plans to direct Brazil's political opposition from the United Stat…: The defeated candidate plans to direct Brazil's political opposition from the United States while alleging electoral fraud took place.
  • Brazilian police stated Bolsonaro is not currently classified as a fugitive despite leavi…: Brazilian police stated Bolsonaro is not currently classified as a fugitive despite leaving amid active domestic corruption inquiries.
  • President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva publicly condemned the flight abroad after securing v…: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva publicly condemned the flight abroad after securing victory with 51.8 percent of the vote.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

"I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organisation that has established a tyranny," Flavio Bolsonaro said as he slammed "electoral fraud".

MIAMI: Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro insisted on Wednesday (Oct 28) he is his country's rightful leader after arriving in the United States to start a self-imposed exile.

Bolsonaro's defiance on fleeing to Florida signaled continued upheaval for Brazil, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won a dramatic runoff election on Sunday.

"I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organisation that has established a tyranny," Bolsonaro said in the statement published on his X account, slamming "electoral fraud".

"I will lead the opposition from here," he said. In a subsequent statement, he revised his claim, saying he is the "leader", rather than "president".

Bolsonaro, 45, touched down earlier on Wednesday in a private jet at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami.

President Donald Trump's hard-right administration has strong links to Bolsonaro and his father Jair Bolsonaro,…

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