He was therefore not supposed to be present on Sunday at the inauguration ceremonies for the new left-wing president, to whom, according to protocol, he was supposed to give the presidential sash.
After saying goodbye to his supporters live on social media, but without mentioning a departure, Jair Bolsonaro boarded an air force plane, media outlets O Globo, CNN Brasil, Estadao and the website reported.
“I’m on the run, I’ll be back soon,” the far-right head of state told CNN Brasil.
A procession of presidential cars left the building of Alvorada’s official residence in Brasilia, an AFP photographer noted, without being able to confirm that Bolsonaro was in one of the vehicles.
A first since 1985
The General Secretariat of the Presidency has authorized the departure from the territory of members of the staff responsible for the security of the “future ex-president” for a trip to Miami “from 1eh per 30 January 2023,” according to Friday’s state newspaper.
It would be the first time since 1985 that an outgoing Brazilian president decides not to gird his successor with the presidential sash.
That year, the last president of the military dictatorship in place since 1964, General João Figueiredo, refused to attend the ceremony of his successor, José Sarney.
