Brazil celebrates 200 years of independence, threat of political violence looms
latinamericadailybriefing.substack.com
Today, Brazilians celebrate 200 years of independence from Portugal. As part of the celebrations, the heart of Brazil’s first emperor, Dom Pedro I, has been flown in from Porto, set to “be received like a head of state,” notes BBC. The commemoration of independence, however, is overshadowed for many by fears of political violence. President Jair Bolsonaro, currently trailing in polls by double digits ahead of the October presidential election, plans to hold rallies with supporters today in both Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, he will lead a rally at the famous Copacabana Beach that will reportedly include military parades. This combination of election campaigning with the armed forces is “unprecedented,” says
Brazil celebrates 200 years of independence, threat of political violence looms
Brazil celebrates 200 years of independence…
Brazil celebrates 200 years of independence, threat of political violence looms
Today, Brazilians celebrate 200 years of independence from Portugal. As part of the celebrations, the heart of Brazil’s first emperor, Dom Pedro I, has been flown in from Porto, set to “be received like a head of state,” notes BBC. The commemoration of independence, however, is overshadowed for many by fears of political violence. President Jair Bolsonaro, currently trailing in polls by double digits ahead of the October presidential election, plans to hold rallies with supporters today in both Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, he will lead a rally at the famous Copacabana Beach that will reportedly include military parades. This combination of election campaigning with the armed forces is “unprecedented,” says