As predicted by the polls, the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro won the Brazilian presidential election in yesterday’s second round of voting, defeating left-wing candidate Fernando Haddad by 55 per cent to 45 per cent.
Bolsonaro’s victory speech was heavy with religious language: “I never felt alone. I always felt the power of God and the force of the Brazilian people, prayers of men women and children, whole families…. The truth will set this great country free.”
The president-elect promised to govern for Brazilians “of all colours” and to make the country prosperous by freeing it from bureaucracy.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) released a statement on Wednesday, lamenting the extreme polarisation in the country and calling for Brazilians to accept the results of the election peacefully. "We will continue to be what we are, a critical voice, a group open to dialogue, seeking what is best for all, not the best for the Church, for us, but for Brazil," said Archbishop of Salvador Murilo Krieger, who serves as vice-president of the CNBB.
The bishops urged Brazilians to set aside, "weapons of hatred and revenge that have generated a climate of violence, spurred by false news, speeches and radical stances, which put at risk the democratic bases of Brazilian society." In this context, the bishops encouraged Brazilians, to “tread the path of peace."
Loading ...
