Brazilian President Bolsonaro Launches New Political Party

President Jair Bolsonaro. Flickr

After leaving the newly fragmented Social Liberal Party (PSL), President Bolsonaro announced the creation of his new political party, "Alliance for Brazil" on November 21.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been described as “a divisive far-right firebrand and self-styled political outsider”, was sworn into presidency at the start of the year. He represented the Social Liberal Party against the Workers' Party’s Fernando Haddad. 

However, President Bolsonaro officially declared his departure from the party last week. This comes after months of disagreements with PSL President Luciano Bivar,  and the declining popularity of his party.

Now, Bolsonaro has announced the formation of a new political party, The Alliance for Brazil. The  party will be led by Bolsonaro, with his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, acting as vice-president. 

Bolsonaro asserted that the party’s priorities lie in “God’s place in life, history, and the soul of the Brazilian population”, working towards revealing the truth behind the “crimes against revolutionary movements, like communism, globalism, and fascism”. It was described by the party’s leadership as “much more than a party; it is the dream and inspiration of those loyal to President Jair Bolsonaro to unite the country around those who believe in the same ideals and patriotic intentions”. Due to  its strict stances on marijuana use and abortion, Bolsonaro hopes to attract religious conservatives to join the party.

Reactions to the announcement have been varied, with some showing skepticism as this is the ninth time Bolsonaro has changed parties in his political career. For the party to be eligible in next year’s municipal elections, about half a million signatures will have to be collected.