Leaked Audio Reveals Brazilian Army’s Coup Plot Against Lula
High-ranking members of Brazil’s army discussed plans to pressure then-President Jair Bolsonaro to maintain power, according to leaked audio recordings from late 2022. The 53 recordings, reviewed by the Federal Police and reported by The Associated Press, show military officials wanting to hinder leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes cited some of these recordings when he ordered the arrest of five individuals for allegedly plotting to assassinate Lula, who was then President-elect. This plot aimed to disrupt Lula’s inauguration on January 1, 2023, during which Bolsonaro supporters attacked government buildings in Brasilia.
In one of the audios, Col. Roberto Raimundo Criscuoli, a former special forces subcommander, suggested a civil war was a viable option given that the situation had support from people in the streets. “Let’s do this now,” he said, referring to initiating action.
Separately, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s aide-de-camp, warned time was running out to prevent Lula’s certification as the election winner on December 12.
How has the military’s involvement in politics affected public trust in the Brazilian government?
Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Fernanda Alvés on the Brazil Army’s Involvement in Political Turmoil
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Alvés. Recent leaked audio recordings have shed light on discussions among high-ranking members of Brazil’s military regarding plans to support then-President Jair Bolsonaro against President-elect Lula da Silva. What are your initial thoughts on the content of these recordings?
Dr. Fernanda Alvés: Thank you for having me. The leaked recordings are quite alarming, as they reveal a deep concern within the military about the political transition and a willingness to engage in extreme measures to maintain their preferred outcome. The mention of a civil war by Col. Roberto Raimundo Criscuoli indicates a level of desperation and an inclination toward violence that is particularly troubling in a democratic context.
Interviewer: Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes referenced some of these audios when ordering arrests related to an alleged assassination plot against Lula. How significant is this connection between the military’s discussions and the arrests?
Dr. Alvés: It’s highly significant. De Moraes’s actions illustrate the gravity of the situation and indicate a direct link between military rhetoric and potential violent actions against political figures. The audios not only reveal intentions but also underline the precarious state of Brazil’s democracy during this period. The willingness to plot against a democratically elected leader is a dangerous precedent.
Interviewer: In one audio, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid mentioned that time was running out to prevent Lula’s certification. What does this suggest about the military’s role in the political arena?
Dr. Alvés: It clearly suggests a proactive stance by military officials who believed they could influence or even disrupt the electoral process. This reflects a mindset where military intervention is seen as a legitimate option to preserve their political interests. Such a mindset undermines democratic institutions and power transitions, threatening the very foundation of Brazil’s democracy.
Interviewer: Gen. Mario Fernandes claimed any solution would involve “breaking eggs.” How does this type of language affect public perception of the military?
Dr. Alvés: This type of rhetoric can significantly damage the military’s reputation in the eyes of the public, portraying them as willing to endorse violence for political ends. It creates a dichotomy between the military’s traditional role as a protector of the nation and its emerging image as a political player ready to resort to undemocratic measures. The military’s credibility and legitimacy must be maintained for a stable democratic society, and such rhetoric puts that at risk.
Interviewer: could you speak to the impact of Bolsonaro supporters camping outside army facilities and the military’s high command’s lack of support for a coup?
Dr. Alvés: The presence of Bolsonaro supporters outside military bases identified a significant polarization within Brazilian society and an expectation that the military should intervene on their behalf. However, the reluctance of high command to support a coup suggests internal divisions about the military’s role in politics. This reluctance is crucial; if the military hierarchies had acquiesced to these pressures, it could have triggered a grave constitutional crisis.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Alvés, for your insights on this complex situation in Brazil. Your expertise provides valuable context to these events.
Dr. Alvés: Thank you for having me. The situation in Brazil is certainly one to watch closely as it continues to evolve.
De Moraes’ orders included references to these audios, but did not encompass the full statements. Cid was already under house arrest after signing a plea deal, aiding in investigations against Bolsonaro and several aides.
Gen. Mario Fernandes, another figure in the recordings, claimed the military should back Bolsonaro against Lula’s perceived election fraud. He insisted that taking action was essential, stating, “Any solution… will not happen without breaking eggs.”
Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters camped outside army facilities seeking military support for the president. Reports indicated a lack of backing within the military’s high command for a coup. Following the January 8 riot, supporters dispersed only after direction from the newly appointed army commander.