1. ITV Report

Far-right former army captain Jair Bolsonaro sworn in as President of Brazil

Jair Bolsonaro has Credit: ap

Controversial far-right former army captain Jair Bolsonaro has been sworn in as Brazil’s President, promising to overhaul several aspects of daily life and put an end to business-as-usual governing.

For the 63-year-old, the New Year’s Day inauguration was the culmination of a journey from a marginalised and even ridiculed congressmen to a leader who many Brazilians hope can combat endemic corruption.

A fan of US President Donald Trump, Mr Bolsonaro rose to power on an anti-corruption and pro-gun agenda that has energised conservatives and hard-right supporters after four consecutive presidential election wins by the left-leaning Workers’ Party.

Jair Bolsonaro and his wife Michelle motorcade procession along the main road leading to Congress and other government buildings. Credit: AP

Mr Bolsonaro won 55.5% of the vote in the October election after rising in prominence amid disgust with Brazil’s political system.

In particular, many Brazilians are furious with the Workers’ Party for its role in a corruption scheme.

However, Mr Bolsonaro is a highly controversial figure and has been accused of misogyny, homophobia and racism.

In the past the former Congressman has told a fellow parliamentarian she was "too ugly to rape", spoke out in favour of dictatorship, defended the use of torture, said if his son were gay, he’d rather his son were dead, and called black Brazilians "fat and lazy."

Jair Bolsonaro was flanked by running bodyguards. Credit: AP

As Mr Bolsonaro takes power, there are fears he will usher in a rollback of civil rights and a weakening of institutions in what remains a young democracy, especially since he has waxed nostalgic for Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship and said he would name military men to his Cabinet.


“Congratulations to President @jairbolsonaro who just made a great inauguration speech,” Trump tweeted. “The USA is with you!”

Sorry, this content isn't available on your device.

Tuesday’s festivities in the capital Brasilia began with a motorcade procession along the main road leading to Congress and other government buildings.



Michelle Bolsonaro is a former Brazilian parliamentary secretary of the Chamber of Deputies. Credit: AP

Once inside Congress, Mr Bolsonaro and his vice president, retired Gen Hamilton Mourao, took the oath of office.


