Front Burner

The road to Brazil's 'January 6' moment

Divisions stoked for years by outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro came to the surface this week in a violent attack on Brazil’s capital buildings. Journalist Gustavo Ribeiro describes how Bolsonaro has falsely undermined election systems in Brazil for years. He says what’s happening now is connected to the January 6th attacks in Washington two years ago.
A bust of a man is seen draped in police tape in front of a lot of smashed windows.
A general view shows the damage caused following the anti-democratic riots, at the Supreme Court building in Brasilia, Brazil, January 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli (Amanda Perobelli/Reuters)

Supporters of outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ransacked the country's capital buildings this week in a show of defiance against the country's recent election results. 

New President Lula da Silva accused his predecessor for inciting the violence and vowed to punish those who took part. 

Journalist Gustavo Ribeiro has watched and reported for years on false claims from President Jair Bolsonaro that Brazil's election system is faulty. He describes how Bolsonaro has created a deeply divided Brazil. 

Listen on Google Podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify