Jair Bolsonaro leaves Brazil for Florida, avoiding Lula handover
Al JazeeraThe far-right leader gave a farewell to supporters on Friday before departing for the US, where his plans are unclear. Outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has left the country for the United States, avoiding the inauguration of incoming President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in the country’s October elections. Vice President Hamilton Mourao has temporarily become the country’s acting president and confirmed that Bolsonaro had left the country. For years, Bolsonaro spread anti-democratic rhetoric and sowed doubt about the integrity of Brazil’s election system, hinting that he would refuse to step down if he lost the election against his left-wing rival. Some have noted that, despite Bolsonaro’s loss, the country’s conservative movement performed well in the October elections and will remain a powerful force in Brazilian politics.