President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched a series of events with the military, for the first time since the attacks on 8 January. On Wednesday (15/03), Lula met with Navy Commanders, the meeting was seen by political commentators as the first stage of a movement for the improvement of relations between the new government and the Armed Forces, which in the past years have been taking part in politics through many of its members that associated themselves to Bolsonaro’s government, and even took important positions in the previous administration.
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Strong Connection
The connection between Bolsonaro, an Army reserve captain, and the Armed Forces is historically strong. He has placed himself, throughout his political career, as their representative. His voters, recognizing this and motivated by radical leaders, camped in front of military bases to demonstrate against Lula’s election. For their turn, the military allowed the encampments to stay and grow, even though other authorities requested their removal. After a few initiatives from state and city governments across the country to remove the encampments, the Armed Forces Command even disclosed a note supporting the protesters freedom of expression. However, as they were demanding a military coup, which is unconstitutional, this was seen as an act of political support. Since then, many other episodes tarnished the relation between Lula’s new government and the military, which at a certain point led to speculations of a real coup d’état.
Reconciliation
The recent meeting and the coming military events in which Lula will appear seem to be part of a strategy of reconciliation. This week on 23 March, Lula will visit the submarine project (Prosub) factory in Itaguay (RJ). Then, on 27 April, the President will attend the inauguration of Embraer’s Gripen production line in Gavio Peixoto (SP).
Another movement to reestablish bridges between the two parts involves the purchase of equipment for the Armed Forces. According to media sources, Lula and his team want to promote a depoliticization of the barracks.
90 Days to Leave Political Parties
In another initiative to show that the Armed Forces is mobilizing to depoliticize themselves, an internal message was sent by the Navy asking officers to urge active-duty service members to resign from political parties within 90 days. According to the Federal Constitution, military on active duty cannot be affiliated with a political party while. However, the affiliation case can be ignored because there is no ongoing inspection for this issue. The message was sent on the same day that senior Navy leaders met with President Lula (PT).
Veto the Return of Political Leaders
On 7 March, media sources informed that the Defense Ministry will present a proposal for an amendment to the Constitution (PEC) to veto the return to active duty of military personnel who take leave to run for political office. The ban would also apply to military personnel who hold the position of State Minister. Currently, the military can take leave to run for elected office. In case of defeat in the election, they can resume their functions in the Forces. Typically, the ones who are defeated become political leaders when they return.
