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SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazil's top presidential candidate, Jair Bolsonaro, said on Sunday that he was elected, he intended to use the armed forces for routine patrols, describing the the country as "at war".
A supporter of Jair Bolsonaro, far-right MP and presidential candidate of the Social Liberal Party (PSL), attends a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 21, 2018. REUTERS / Sergio Moraes
In an interview with Band TV, the far-right MP and former army captain said he would discuss it with his future defense minister and state governments, responsible for security public.
"If Congress gives permission, I will put armed forces on the streets," said Bolsonaro.
A 63-year-old Congressman, representing seven terms, who openly defends the Brazilian military dictatorship of 1964-1985, Bolsonaro is expected to win the presidency this month. Polls show that he is 18 percentage points ahead of his left-wing rival, Fernando Haddad, just one week before the second round vote on October 28th.
Haddad pledged Sunday to increase by 20% the benefits paid under Brazil's main welfare program, known as Bolsa Família.
Bolsonaro, a polarizing candidate who has been accused of hate speech for his gay, black and female comments, has portrayed himself as the anti-establishment choice, drawing voters who are tired of political corruption. and violent crimes.
In August 2017, a year after Rio de Janeiro hosted the Olympics, the federal government sent 8,500 troops to crack down on violent crime in the city. But military officials declared immediately that they would not be the ones who would solve the problems at the root of urban violence.
On Sunday, thousands of supporters took part in rallies for Bolsonaro in Brazil's main cities, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.
The protest followed protests against him by women on Saturday for the second time in a month.
Report by Maria Carolina Marcello, writing by Carolina Mandl, edited by Rosalba O & # 39; Brien
