Eduardo Bolsonaro has announced he is leaving his congressional role to move to the U.S. and seek asylum due to legal actions by judge Alexandre de Moraes, which he perceives as political persecution. Known for his controversial viewpoints, he is seen as a serious candidate for his father’s political legacy.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, announced on March 18 that he is resigning from his federal lawmaker position to move to the United States. In a video, he stated he has been living in the U.S. for several weeks and plans to apply for asylum, a decision stemming from concerns over retaliatory actions against him by Brazilian authorities.

He attributes his decision to the actions of Alexandre de Moraes, a Federal Supreme Court judge involved in significant investigations against Brazil’s far-right sect. Eduardo accuses Moraes of attempting to imprison him, declaring, “I will not submit to the state of exception or its dirty tricks,” criticizing what he labels as the judge’s misconduct and comparing the federal police to the Nazi regime’s Gestapo.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, known for his controversial views including nostalgia for Brazil’s dictatorship, misogyny, and conspiracy theories, is seen as a primary candidate to succeed his father as he resembles Jair closely. Also referred to as “Number 3” (being the third child), he has been viewed as a serious contender since his father is currently barred from the 2026 presidential election due to a sentence of ineligibility for undermining democratic principles.

Eduardo Bolsonaro has opted to resign from his congressional position and seek asylum in the U.S. as a response to legal pressures in Brazil. His actions reflect ongoing tensions with the judiciary, particularly the Federal Supreme Court, led by judge Alexandre de Moraes. This move solidifies his stance against perceived political persecution while highlighting the divisive climate in Brazil’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr