Brazilian Constitutional Democracy at a Crossroads

Abstract

The recent election of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil creates a set of doubts about the future of the constitutional state in the country. These concerns stem from their statements in the past or during the election campaign. On several issues, he expressed positions that are incompatible with the foundations of the constitutional state, especially with fundamental rights. The text gives special emphasis to themes that are likely to be most affected, such as the environment, public security, foreign policy and social rights. This paper aims to discuss the risks that the Brazilian constitutional state currently lives. As such, it seeks to draw attention to the challenges that the lawyers face in this new era. The paper takes as reference the normative framework of the 1988 Constitution. It is based on information available in the media about his ideas and those of his followers, on his government program and on the first act he edited as president.

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