First round of the presidential election: Brazil could face dark years

Hardly anyone can really explain why this uncharismatic copy of his father, the right-wing populist ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, did so well in the first round of the presidential election. “01”, Zero Um, as the firstborn is called by his father, is knee-deep in a series of scandals. Connections to criminal groups and allegations of corruption are associated with him and are damaging the image of the upright, God-fearing family man.

It can be said that this was not just an election for Flávio Bolsonaro, but against Lula. In the 21st century, nowhere else in the world has the left won as many electoral victories as in Brazil. This inevitably leads to wear and tear. The People's Tribune Lula still moves masses, but only a part of the population. It also represents a feeling that things are not moving forward in the country. That it is becoming more and more unsafe.

One could now say: Then let the Bolsonarists rule for once. You have already disenchanted yourself once in your first term in office. Ultimately, Bolsonaro 1 failed because of two things: his ineptitude and democratic institutions.

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But a reign by Bolsonaro Junior could be fundamentally different. After a series of scandals, the Supreme Court is no longer likely to have the same supervisory role. Parliament moved even further to the right on Sunday. And in the USA, Donald Trump, a grande amigo of the Bolsonaros, rules. Keyword Trump: The Brazilian right could also learn from him how to crowbar through a second term in office.

You shouldn't panic now - and above all, you should wait for the runoff election. Three weeks remain to avert the catastrophe that threatens from the left's perspective. If this does not succeed, Brazil could face very dark years politically.