Bolsonaro takes office in Brazil, targets corruption

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01:05

Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro declared a crusade against crime and corruption as he took office on Tuesday for a four-year term at the helm of Latin America's biggest nation.

The 63-year-old former paratrooper and veteran lawmaker received swift congratulations via Twitter from U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Bolsonaro responded by saying: "I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Together, under God's protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people!"

In his inauguration speech before Brazil's Congress, Bolsonaro called for "a true national pact between society and the executive, legislative and judicial powers" to restore the lackluster economy – "without ideological bias."

Supporters of Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro gather outside the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

In his speech, Bolsonaro repeatedly hammered left-wing "ideology" that he said had brought Brazil low. His past remarks made it clear he was referring to policies implemented by the Workers Party, which governed between 2003 and 2016 but ended up reviled for a string of corruption scandals.

Brazil "will return to be a country free of ideological bonds," he said.

"We need to create a virtuous cycle for the economy that brings the necessary confidence to open our markets, for international trade, to stimulate competition, productivity and efficiency without ideological bias," he said.

Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro gestures as he arrives with his wife Michelle to his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, Brazil January 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

Bolsonaro also warmly welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration, and both leaders spoke of their "brotherhood." Netanyahu said Bolsonaro assured him Brazil's embassy will be moved to Jerusalem.

Bolsonaro supporters hope their man will do better. He has promised to govern for all of the country's 210 million Brazilians, though his initial declaration suggests it will be on his terms, as he seeks to remake the country around his agenda.

Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro (with sash) and new Vice-President Hamilton Mourao (to Bolsonaro's left) pose with the new cabinet at Planalto Palace, Brasilia, January 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

Tens of thousands of people attended Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, which was held under tight security that included warplane patrols, anti-drone technology and multiple crowd barriers.

The precautions were more stringent than in years past, in part because Bolsonaro survived a stabbing attack by a mentally unstable man when he was campaigning for the presidency in September.

"We are counting on him to free Brazil from the boot of the criminals. Today, criminals are freer to go about armed than good people who respect the law," said Ze Ivan, a businessman from Brazil's northern state of Para who had turned out to see the new president.

"This inauguration is a turning point," said another, 36-year-old teacher Mauro Penna. "We are very optimistic – this time our country is going to change."

Source(s): AFP