Brazil’s far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro took a commanding lead in the country’s elections on Sunday (October 7).
It marks a major shift away from the left, fueled by public anger over corruption in Brazil’s political class.
It’s also another advance around the world for populist leaders as in eastern Europe, the U.S. and the Philippines.
But with around 46% of the vote, Bolsonaro’s fallen just short of an outright majority.
He’s now up for a run-off later this month against his opponent Fernando Haddad from the leftist Worker’s Party.
Reuters’ Gabriel Stargardter reports from outside Bolsonaro’s home in Rio De Janeiro.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) REUTERS CORRESPONDENT, GABRIEL STARGARDTER, SAYING:
“There’s a party atmosphere here, people firing fireworks, music, selling beers and everyone here is convinced that their man far- right candidate Jair Bolsonaro is going to be Brazil’s next president. Bolsanaro has ridden a wave of popular support here in Brazil where people are sick of years of violence, rising crime, and recession. And he’s managed to really become the focal point of these elections, energizing his young voters through social media, and through rapturous meetings out in the streets of the country.”
Bolsonaro has his share of critics.
He’s praised the country’s past military regime and faces federal hate crime charges for racist and misogynist rants.
But so far, investors seem to like what they see.
His rise has sparked a rally in Brazil’s currency and stock markets.
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