Brazilian president announces creation of new political party

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro announced on Tuesday through social networks his departure from the Social Liberal Party (PSL) and the founding of a new political party.

"Today I announced my departure from the PSL and the beginning of the creation of a new political party, the Alliance for Brazil," he tweeted. "I thank all those who were with me in the PSL and who were my partners in the 2018 elections."

Bolsonaro joined the PSL in mid-2018 to run for president, which has since grown significant partly because Bolsonaro's supporters voted for congressmen from his party.

The PSL elected 52 federal representatives in the last elections, becoming the second largest party in the House of Representatives, and four senators.