The Guardian view on Brazil’s elections: democracy in danger | Editorial | Opinion | The Guardian

"It is true that he, like the US president, is a symptom of deeper problems. A congressman since 1991, he was previously seen as offensive but irrelevant. Now he has capitalised on the country’s woes with a populist campaign. Brazil is struggling to recover from its worst ever recession. The Operation Car Wash inquiry exposed the staggering breadth and depth of corruption. And the shocking rate of violent crime – Brazil saw a record 63,880 homicides last year – has increased the appeal of an iron fist. Being stabbed only boosted his campaign. He casts himself as an outsider who will clean up politics, has built support through social media, and does best among young voters. Yet he draws strength too from old Brazilian forces: the military, wealthy farmers and business people, the socially conservative; evangelical churches have thrown their weight behind him."

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