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Brazil’s Bolsonaro sworn in as president

Updated: 2019-01-02 02:22
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Preparations for the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro - Popular are seen among military personnel who would make security of the inauguration of the president of the republic Jair Bolsonaro. [Photo/IC]

Jair Bolsonaro has been sworn in as Brazil’s president. The former army captain is taking the reins of Latin America’s largest and most populous nation promising to overhaul myriad aspects of daily life and put an end to business-as-usual governing.

The New Year’s Day inauguration is the culmination of Bolsonaro’s journey from a marginalized and even ridiculed congressmen to a leader who many Brazilians hope can combat endemic corruption as well as violence that routinely gives the nation the dubious distinction of being a world leader in total homicides.

A fan of US President Donald Trump, the 63-year-old longtime congressman rose to power on an anti-corruption and pro-gun agenda. Those stances energized conservatives and hard-right supporters after four consecutive presidential election wins by the left-leaning Workers’ Party.

Many of his stances also terrify detractors, who fear an increase in violence, particularly by police.

Crowds appeared to be much smaller than the number of people the incoming administration of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro was expecting for his inauguration.

Administration officials say they expected 500,000 supporters to come to the capital of Brasilia. However, large swaths of the areas around Congress are empty as Bolsonaro and his wife ride in on an open-top Rolls-Royce. No official estimates are immediately available.

The ceremonies are being held under tight security and four checkpoints have been set up. Journalists covering the event were required to be in position seven hours before the ceremonies were to begin.

AP

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