Lessons From Brazil's Bolsonaro Family's Rise
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
The Bolsonaro family in Brazil pioneered the use of social media to build a loyal base and attack democratic institutions, a tactic the article warns could be replicated in Israel. Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed confidence in his election victory while surrounded by supporters, despite contrary results appearing on screens outside the room. The article suggests that even if Benjamin Netanyahu loses an election, Israeli versions of the Bolsonaros may still return to power.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Bolsonaro family pioneered using social media to build loyalty and attack democratic institutions.
- The article warns that Israel must fight this "poison" or face Israeli versions of the Bolsonaros returning to power.
- Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed confidence in his election victory.
- Many of da Silva's supporters checked their phones for election results during a meeting.
- The election updates outside the room painted a different picture than da Silva's confidence suggested.
The Bolsonaro family in Brazil was the first to effectively utilize social media to cultivate a loyal following, attack democratic institutions, and undermine the authority of bodies that previously defined public facts. The article warns that if Israel does not confront this "poison," Israeli versions of the Bolsonaro family will eventually return to power, even if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses an election.
In a room in São Paulo's Renaissance Hotel, associates of Brazilian President Lula da Silva gathered, with two televisions remaining off as election results began to arrive on Sunday. Around 40 people, including ministers, long-time friends, and senior Workers' Party officials, were present. Many repeatedly checked their phones, much to the annoyance of da Silva, who dislikes people looking at screens while he speaks. Da Silva expressed confidence in winning a fourth presidential term in the first round. However, outside the room, the incoming updates painted a different picture of Brazil.