Thomas Bustamante

Emilio Peluso Neder Meyer and Thomas Bustamante, both professors at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, delve into Brazil's political landscape after the January 8 coup attempt. They discuss the electoral court's significant ruling against Jair Bolsonaro and the implications for his political future. The episode explores President Lula’s cautious handling of the military and the broader societal challenges in restoring democracy. The guests offer insights into the evolving Bolsonarismo and the critical need for accountability in a polarized environment.

Last month, Brazil’s highest electoral court found that former President Jair Bolsonaro had abused his political power in the 2022 elections because of his conduct in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Brasília in July 2022. For this violation of the country’s election laws, the electoral court banned Bolsonaro from seeking public office until 2030.  Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien sat down with Emilio Peluso Neder Meyer, Professor of Constitutional Law at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Thomas Bustamante, Professor of Legal Theory at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to discuss Brazil’s search for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the coup attempt on Jan. 8, why the electoral court’s ruling was not so much a legal innovation as a mere application of existing laws, and the significance of President Lula’s decision not to rely on the military in his government’s response. They also discussed what’s next for Bolsonarismo.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.