Bolsonaro Admits Plotting to Overturn Election
Ex-President Defends ‘Alternatives’ as Brazil Coup Trial Unfolds
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former leader, acknowledged discussing strategies to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat, but vehemently denied orchestrating a coup. The stunning admission came during testimony at his supreme court trial, raising fresh questions about the extent of the alleged far-right conspiracy.
Details of the Testimony
Over two hours of questioning, Bolsonaro stated that following the confirmation of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory, his allies “studied other alternatives within the constitution.” These included deploying military forces and temporarily suspending civil liberties, though he insisted these discussions didn’t constitute a coup attempt.
A coup is something abominable. A coup may even be easy to start. The day after is simply unpredictable and harmful to everyone. Brazil could not go through something like that, and such a hypothesis was never even considered during my government,
he claimed.
Bolsonaro confirmed consideration of a state of siege, but explained that conditions weren’t favorable. There was no climate for it, no opportunity; we didn’t even have a minimally solid base to do anything.
Former military leaders have already testified that they resisted his plans, with the ex-navy commander reportedly offering support.
Apology and Political Defenses
The former president used the nationally televised hearing as a platform to defend his 2019-2023 administration and repeatedly criticize Lula’s current term. He even offered a surprising apology to Justice Alexandre de Moraes and two other justices for previously calling them names and falsely accusing them of election rigging.
It was a vent, rhetoric I used,”
Bolsonaro said. “So, I apologise. I had no intention of accusing you of any misconduct”.
He then jokingly suggested Moraes as a running mate in 2026, a proposal swiftly declined.
Brazil’s political climate remains deeply polarized. According to a recent Datafolha poll conducted in June 2025, 42% of Brazilians believe the 2022 election was fraudulent, despite repeated confirmations of its legitimacy. Datafolha Poll (June 2025)
The Wider Investigation
Bolsonaro is the sixth of eight defendants to testify in the trial, which centers on an alleged attempted coup. The accused include four former ministers – three army generals – the ex-commander of the navy, and Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former right-hand man. This marks the first time high-ranking military officers in Brazil have faced trial over an attempted coup since the country’s 1964-1985 dictatorship.
Journalist Miriam Leitão observed that what was most striking … was the casual atmosphere in which a coup d’état was discussed within the Bolsonaro government. Everyone knew about it – there were several conversations, meetings in function rooms, inside the presidential palace and at the top of the military hierarchy.
Key Testimony from Aide
Mauro Cid, a former aide who signed a plea bargain, testified that Bolsonaro edited a draft decree proposing the arrest of authorities, including members of Congress and the supreme court, and the creation of a commission to oversee new elections. He claimed Bolsonaro removed the arrest provisions, stating, “Only you would be imprisoned.”
Cid also alleged that Bolsonaro unsuccessfully sought evidence of voting fraud to rally the armed forces.
The prosecution and defense now have five days to request further inquiries. A final verdict is anticipated in the second half of the year.
