The square of Three powers in Brasilia It is the political and institutional center of the South American giant. The memory of attempted coup d’état of January 8, 2023, carried out by the Brazilian far right. The same place had to be urgently evacuated a year and ten months later by the Federal Police (PF) at nightfall due to the detonation of two explosive devices which could be heard clearly and astonishingly in the seat of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the National Congress and the Planalto Palace. Firefighters found a body near the STF building. The press reported that the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva He was not in the Executive Building at the time of the explosion. The president immediately met with the STF judges, Cristiano Zanin, Gilmar Mendes and Alexandre de Moraes, who lead the investigations into the 8E facts involving the harshest sectors of Bolsonarism.
The car that exploded near the TSF had the southern license plate of Santa Catarina, one of the bastions of the far right, and some kind of bomb tied with bricks. According to the Rio newspaper ’O Globo’, the accident was described as “serious” by the Workers’ Party (PT) government.
At the end of the STF meeting on Wednesday, two loud bangs were heard and ministers were safely removed from the building. Staff and employees from the headquarters building were removed as a precaution. We will have to wait for the development of events to obtain more information,” that country’s top judicial authority said.
Security in the area was immediately tightened.. Agents from the Tactical Operations Command (COT) and experts from the Anti-Bomb Group, as well as police officers, then intervened. The general director of the FP, Andrei Rodrigues, also met with Lula and after the meeting ordered the opening of an investigation into the incident. It was assumed that De Moraes himself, who usually deals with cases of anti-democratic acts, would have been responsible for clarifying the episode which occurred five days after leaving for Rio de Janeiro, 1,200 kilometers from the Federal District, the G20 leaders’ summit.
At the time the noises were heard coming from the Plaza de los Tres Poderes, the Chamber was discussing a Proposal for Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) on tax exemption for churches. The vote was suspended. The Senate, meanwhile, was debating a bill on parliamentary amendments.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. The recent events surrounding the Square of Three Powers in Brasília have raised numerous concerns regarding national security and political stability in Brazil. To help us delve deeper into these issues, we have Dr. Maria Santos, a political science expert known for her research on far-right movements in South America. Welcome, Dr. Santos!
Dr. Santos: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such critical developments.
Editor: Let’s start with the attempted coup on January 8, 2023. How has that event influenced the political climate in Brazil today, particularly in light of the recent explosive incident?
Dr. Santos: The attempted coup last year undoubtedly marked a turning point for Brazil. It exposed deep fissures within its political landscape, primarily driven by far-right factions. The recent explosion, which echoed through the very heart of the government, underscores how precarious the situation remains. It highlights persistent threats from those who continue to resist the democratic order established by President Lula’s administration.
Editor: You mentioned the far-right factions. How do you see their role evolving in the wake of these violent incidents?
Dr. Santos: The far-right movements are adapting. They have been emboldened by discontent among certain segments of the population who feel marginalized. Following the January 8 coup attempt, there was a temporary suppression, but incidents like this explosion could galvanize these groups. They may use such events to rally support and potentially justify further radical actions, invoking a narrative of victimhood or betrayal by the state.
Editor: There was a notable evacuation of key government buildings during the explosion. How does this reflect the preparedness of Brazilian security forces and institutions?
Dr. Santos: This incident reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of Brazil’s security apparatus. While the evacuation protocols indicate a readiness to respond to threats, the fact that such a bold act occurred near critical government sites raises questions about intelligence capabilities and overall security measures. It’s clear that more robust communication and coordination among federal agencies are necessary to prevent incidents of this nature from happening in the future.
Editor: President Lula was not in the Executive Building at the time of the explosion. What implications does this have for his administration, especially when he met with Supreme Court judges right after?
Dr. Santos: Lula’s absence during the incident might save him from immediate political fallout, but it also underscores a potential vulnerability in leadership. His prompt engagement with the Supreme Court judges shows his commitment to maintaining judicial cooperation amid crises. However, the perception that he may be in danger or that the state is unstable could erode public confidence in his administration, making it crucial for him to act swiftly and decisively to restore a sense of safety and order.
Editor: Given the volatility in Brazil’s political landscape, what measures do you think are essential for long-term stability?
Dr. Santos: Long-term stability will require a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, the government must enhance dialogue and engagement with diverse political groups, especially those feeling disenfranchised. Secondly, investing in social programs that address inequality could mitigate grievances that fuel extremist views. Lastly, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountability for threats against the state will be vital in reestablishing trust among the populace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights. It seems clear that Brazil faces significant challenges ahead, but with thoughtful strategies, there may still be a path toward stability.
Dr. Santos: Absolutely. The key will be a collective commitment to uphold democratic values and processes, responding to challenges without sacrificing the principles that hold the nation together.
Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise today. We’ll certainly be keeping a close watch on how these developments unfold in Brazil. Thank you again, Dr. Santos.
Dr. Santos: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we stay informed and engaged with these issues.