In recent years, Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, has found himself under heightened scrutiny due to ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption. These investigations, which have gathered significant attention both domestically and internationally, revolve around accusations of financial impropriety and misconduct implicating Bolsonaro and members of his family. The repercussions of these investigations extend beyond mere legal consequences; they also raise profound questions about accountability and transparency within Bolsonaro’s administration, potentially jeopardizing the stability and integrity of Brazil’s government and institutions. Transparency Internation stated that they had documented numerous incidents of corruption within the Bolsonaro government, “and unprecedented dismantling of anti-corruption frameworks that took decades to build” (Transparency International, 2022). The outcomes of these investigations hold far-reaching implications for Brazil’s political landscape and public trust in its leadership.  

Brazil grapples with persistent concerns about judicial independence, as evidenced by recent controversies surrounding attempts to influence judicial appointments and curtail the judiciary’s authority. Allegations of political interference in high-profile court cases have cast doubt on the fairness and integrity of the legal system, exacerbating fears that Brazil’s democratic principles are under threat. Critics argue that these challenges not only undermined democracy but also compromise the protection of citizens’ rights. Human Rights Watch it was stated that Bolsonaro was “pursuing campaigns to intimidate the Supreme Court, signaling that he may attempt to cancel the 2022 election or otherwise deny Brazilians the right to elect their leaders, and violating critics’ freedom of expression.” (“Brazil: Bolsonaro Threatens Democratic Rule,” 2021). The judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding the constitution and safeguarding individual liberties underscores the urgency of addressing concerns about its independence. Efforts to weaken judicial autonomy risk eroding public trust in the legal system and undermining the credibility of court decisions, further exacerbating Brazil’s governance challenges.  

In addition to issues surrounding corruption and judicial independence, Brazil confronts broader challenges related to democratic erosion. Growing polarization and attempts to undermine democratic norms and civil liberties raise alarm bells among democracy advocates. An example of this would be youtuber Felipe Neto, a thirty-two-year-old who spoke out against Bolsonaro. As this was happening to him, his family and friends started to receive threats, to the extent of having to move his mother out of the country for her safety. Regardless he became one of Bolsonaro’s loudest critics, which led to people from that party accusing him of pedophilia and abuse of minors. However, regardless of the accusation, the Brazilian population supported Felipe Neto as he tried to speak up for those who did not have a voice. Bolsonaro’s tenure witnessed a consolidation of power, accompanied by efforts to weaken democratic institutions, and restrict civil liberties, exacerbating concerns about Brazil’s democratic trajectory. Addressing these challenges requires bolstering democratic institutions, enhancing transparency, and fostering inclusive political participation to safeguard Brazil’s democratic credentials and protect fundamental rights.  

Furthermore, Brazil faces environmental degradation and social inequalities, exacerbating governance challenges and perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. Environmental policies have come under scrutiny, particularly concerning the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and indigenous lands. Insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations and the relaxation of protections for indigenous territories exacerbate environmental degradation, threatening biodiversity, and exacerbating climate change. Meanwhile, social inequalities persist, with disparities evident in income distribution, cuts to funding of public universities, healthcare, and basic services. Economic policies favoring the wealthy exacerbate existing inequalities, hindering inclusive development, and perpetuating social divisions. Brazilian people have taken these issues to the street and are protesting the budget cuts. Bolsonaro cut $87 million dollars from school textbooks, approved a 24% cut to the environmental budget, and 45% to the cancer treatment of the country, which was allocated to the secret budget for parliamentarians. Along with those, another 12 programs in the Ministry of health were affected. “The distribution of drugs for the treatment of AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis, got an excessive amount of cuts. The Popular Pharmacy lost 60% of its resources.” (Lacerda, 2023). Moreover, by indicating its intention to restructure programs negatively impacted by Bolsonaro’s administration, the Lula government is actively pursuing avenues to reinstate healthcare investments through the Transition Proposal of Constitutional Amendment. Under Lula da Silva the economy is improving, and congress has passed a tax reform bill. He has also pledged to deliver zero deforestation by 2030. According to Franciso Funcia, urgent action is imperative to amend the fiscal rule dictating spending caps and minimum healthcare budgets. He emphasizes the necessity of augmenting public investments in the healthcare sector, particularly by the Union, and underscores the significance of integrating health policies into the formulation of economic strategies.  

In conclusion, Brazil finds itself in a delicate situation as it attempts to address a variety of issues, including socioeconomic inequality, environmental damage, democratic deterioration, judicial independence, and corruption. Maintaining legal order, battling corruption, and encouraging social inclusion are essential to Brazil’s democratic growth and long-term economic success. Comprehensive changes and a determined effort to fortify democratic institutions, advance openness, and encourage equitable growth are needed to address these urgent concerns. Leaders and individuals alike must work together to create a society that is more resilient and just. The effectiveness of Brazil’s response to these difficulties will depend on how determined and united they are able to face them. Brazil can continue to work together to build a brighter future for coming generations. As Brazil navigates these difficulties, persistent efforts are required to preserve democratic values and safeguard citizens.  

Boadle, Brito, R., Anthony. (2022, October 20). Brazil Electoral Court cracks down on disinformation ahead of Lula-Bolsonaro runoff. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-electoral-court-cracks-down-disinformation-ahead-lula-bolsonaro-runoff-2022-10-20/ 

Brazil: Bolsonaro threatens democratic rule. (2021, September 15). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/09/15/brazil-bolsonaro-threatens-democratic-rule 

Jazeera, A. (2019, August 14). Thousands protest in Brazil against Bolsonaro’s education cuts. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/8/14/thousands-protest-in-brazil-against-bolsonaros-education-cuts 

Lacerda, N. (2023, January 5). In four years of Bolsonaro, healthcare lost funding, quality and reach. Peoples Dispatch. https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/01/05/in-four-years-of-bolsonaro-healthcare-lost-funding-quality-and-reach/#:~:text=The%20challenge%20of%20the%20new,the%20secret%20budget%20for%20parliamentarians. 

Onoszko, J., & Juan, P. (2022, October 28). Brazil’s education system in crisis as Bolsonaro takes aim at universities. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20221028-brazil-s-education-system-in-crisis-as-bolsonaro-takes-aim-at-universities 

Phillips, D. (2020, November 12). Felipe Neto: how a YouTuber became one of Jair Bolsonaro’s loudest critics. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/12/felipe-neto-youtube-brazil-jair-bolsonaro 

Reporter, G. S. (2021, April 24). Bolsonaro slashes Brazil’s environment budget, day after climate talks pledge. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/24/bolsonaro-slashes-brazils-environment-budget-day-after-climate-talks-pledge 

Transparency International. (2022, October 8). Brazil elections: Endorsement of President Bolsonaro by prominent Operation Car Wash players under the guise of anti-corruption deeply misleading – Press. Transparency.org. https://www.transparency.org/en/press/brazil-elections-endorsement-president-bolsonaro-prominent-operation-carwash-players-under-anti-corruption-misleading