It’s early 2019, and Brazil’s up surging right-wing elects Jair Bolsonaro, a retired army Captain. With it, comes a new administration alongside him, carrying the promises of a political shift away from the claws of corruption which have historically scarred the Latin American country’s turbulent political past.
Brazil’s still young democracy felt the tension of electing a pro-military strongman figure considering its worrisome relation with its military, which ruled the country through means of a dictatorship up until 1985.
Known for his controversial remarks, ranging from misogynistic statements to outright disregard for the rights of minorities and democratically established institutions, Bolsonaro’s reputation did not favor him when he came into office. Having significant low approval ratings from the start, the new president would have to gain the public’s trust. And by appointing lauded experts of their field as ministers of his administration, he found a way.