Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is traveling to the United States two days before his successor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva takes office on Sunday, shortly after addressing his supporters and calling for strong opposition to the next government.
Neither Bolsonaro nor the government have given details of the trip, but according to sources close to him, quoted by the local press, he intends to spend at least three months outside the country.
In doing so, Bolsonaro will not follow the tradition of transferring the presidential sash, a barely symbolic gesture but respected by all leaders since Brazil regained democracy in 1985 after 21 years of dictatorship.
Before leaving, he urged his followers to take a stand against Lula directly on his social media, insisting he was a “victim” of an electoral justice system “that was not partisan” and which he said favored the progressive leader . with various decisions.
“We will not believe that the world will end on this January 1 with the inauguration of Lula,” Bolsonaro declared through sobs, urging his supporters “not to throw in the towel or to stop the opposition”, albeit peacefully and within limits the Constitution.
The announcement lasted just over an hour, and Bolsonaro didn’t end it by admitting defeat in the elections or congratulating Lula.