The Prime Minister of Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, condemned this Tuesday (10) what he called “violent disturbances” in Brasilia, in reference to the invasion and depredation orchestrated by a Bolsonarist crowd on Sunday (8).
“Israel condemns the violent disturbances in Brasilia on Sunday and supports Brazilian democratic institutions and the rule of law”, says a note published by the official profile of the prime minister on Twitter this Tuesday (10). “There is no room for violent protests in a democracy, and the will of the people, expressed in election results, must be respected.”
Netanyahu, who assumed a new term at the head of the Israeli government, is ideologically aligned with Jair Bolsonaro and campaigned for him against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). His demonstration deepens the isolation of the now ex-president and indicates that, even for international allies of Bolsonarism, prolonged silence in the face of the open attack on Brazilian democracy would not be good form.
Former US President Donald Trump, who launched the invasion of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 – a movement considered the inspiration for the extremists who attacked Brasilia – has not publicly commented on the Brazilian insurrection. Viktor Orbán, prime minister of Hungary and accused of undermining democracy in his country, also ignored the issue in his public demonstrations – his chancellor offered help to Bolsonaro’s campaign to try to make his re-election in October feasible.
In addition to Netanyahu, however, leaders of Italy and Poland also condemned the attacks on Brasilia. The Italian ultra-right Giorgia Meloni at first just shared a post by her deputy, Antonio Tajani, in which he said he was following the situation in Brazil with concern and that “any act of violence against democratic institutions must be vehemently condemned”.
Later, it made a new publication. “What is happening in Brazil cannot leave us indifferent. The images of the irruption in the headquarters of the institutions are unacceptable and incompatible with any form of democratic dissent. The return to normality is urgent, and we stand in solidarity with the Brazilian institutions.”
The Polish Andrzej Duda, also an exponent of the ultraconservative right, did not directly condemn the attacks, but made a publication in an almost resigned tone defending democracy. “Democracy is not perfect. Sometimes only 50% + 1 of voters are satisfied. But nothing better has been invented to guarantee people’s well-being. Democratic institutions (elections) are sacred. President Lula won and has the support from the democratic world, including Poland!”
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aligned with the nationalist manual that guides Bolsonarism, expressed “deep concern” with what he called “riots and vandalism” in Brasília. “Democratic traditions must be respected by all. We extend our full support to the Brazilian authorities,” said the Indian, marking Lula’s official profile in the publication.
Two other leaders on the right who share autocratic tendencies with Bolsonaro have not publicly positioned themselves on the attacks on the headquarters of the Three Powers: Alejandro Giammattei, elected in Guatemala with a platform for defending Christian values and fighting crime similar to that of the Brazilian, and Nayib Bukele , the president of El Salvador who has been dubbed the “coolest dictator” on social media —he set up the Supreme Court, has acted to silence the independent press and decreed a state of exception followed by a series of allegations of abuse and mistreatment.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
