BRASILIA – Brazil’s right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, plans to push forward with the appointment of his son Eduardo for ambassador to the USA regardless of accusations of nepotism and mounting resistance in his nation’s Congress.
The tussle with the Senate over his son’s appointment dangers additional isolating the firebrand president inside Congress, the place different leaders have taken up the momentum in passing laws.
With polls suggesting he may lack the required votes for approval by the Senate, Bolsonaro stated on Tuesday he might pull the nomination, telling reporters: “I’m not going to topic my son to failure.”
However by Wednesday, the previous military captain had U-turned, saying there can be no retreat and Eduardo’s identify might be introduced subsequent month to the Senate Overseas Relations Committee for approval earlier than the complete 81-seat chamber.
Rejection can be a serious setback.
“It might definitely be thought of a defeat and contribute to reinforcing the supremacy of Congress vis-à-vis Bolsonaro,” stated David Fleischer, politics professor emeritus on the College of Brasilia. “He’s a really impulsive president and doesn’t assume by way of the implications of sure selections or insurance policies.”
A survey of senators by the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper printed on Monday confirmed he was at present wanting the simple-majority of 41 votes wanted for approval.
A ballot of 1,500 voters by Quaest Consultoria e Pesquisa confirmed even amongst Bolsonaro supporters, 45% disagree with the son’s appointment for envoy in Washington. Amongst all voters, 72% oppose the nomination.
An admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump and his social and environmental views, Bolsonaro has defended the appointment, saying his son is a good friend of Trump’s household which might assist enhance relations between the 2 nations.
Eduardo, 35, accompanied his father on a go to to the White Home sporting a “Trump 2020” cap to the Oval workplace assembly.
He at present chairs the Overseas Relations Committee in Brazil’s decrease home and cited a stint “frying hamburgers” at a quick meals joint within the U.S. state of Maine whereas an change pupil as amongst his worldwide expertise for the job.
His opponents sought to dam the nomination by introducing a invoice in Congress in opposition to nepotism inside public administration, but it surely has not but been voted on. Even a few of Bolsonaro’s allies in Congress see the selection as an unprecedented affront to Brazil’s skilled diplomatic corps.
Brazilian federal prosecutors filed a court docket injunction final week searching for to bar the appointment because of his lack of diplomatic expertise. The Supreme Courtroom denied it.