Published 16:33 IST, October 23rd 2019
Brazilian Prez son Eduardo Bolsonaro refuses to become US ambassador
Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro made the decision of not becoming the country's ambassador to the United States on October 22
Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro, told the fellow lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies on October 22 that he has made a decision of not being the country's ambassador to the United States. According to a news agency, Eduardo claimed that his decision was partly due to lack of support and his father had not influenced his choice. He further claimed that there are a lot of issues with his electorate and the majority was not supportive.
The 35-year-old has in the past faced political and legal resistance to his nomination, as his lack of formal diplomatic training and experience was a red flag for many. However, the former Trump advisor Steve Bannon praised Eduardo after he joined the far-right movement in February as leader of the Brazilian chapter. He was also re-elected to the lower house in 2018 with a record number of votes and has headed the foreign relations committee to strengthen his ambassadorial credentials. He was nicknamed 'shadow foreign minister' as he has reportedly, on many occasions dominated Brazil's top diplomat Ernest Araujo. This had also created confusion for a lot of people over who is the country's most senior envoy.
'Bitter disputes'
Brazils's president Jair Bolsonaro reportedly claimed that his son could help 'pacify' bitter divisions in his Social Liberal Party (PSL) as he presents a more polished image than the president himself. The federal police searched the offices and homes of party founder Luciano Bivar in an electoral fraud probe. The search came after President Bolsonaro called on the PSL leaders to open their audit books. PSL leaders such as Senator Major Olimpio have opposed Bolsonaro in taking over the party. The leaders are also fighting back against the President. They have sought to suspend Eduardo and 18 other lawmakers who sided with the President. They also plan to remove him as PSL president for Sao Paulo and his brother, senator Flavio Bolsonaro as its head in Rio de Janerio.
(With agency inputs)
Updated 17:45 IST, October 23rd 2019