The Rise of Michelle Bolsonaro and the Division in the Right-Wing Before the Brazil Elections

Brazil's far-right wing is experiencing a deep internal crisis ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted for a coup attempt, shook the agenda by releasing two videos accusing her stepson and presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro of belittling her. This move caused a division in the right-wing and increased uncertainties in the process where Flávio is expected to officially announce his candidacy on 25 July.

Drawing a different profile from other former first ladies, Michelle Bolsonaro maintains her active role in the political arena since her husband left office. Having frozen her Senate candidacy by stepping down from the presidency of PL Mujeres, the women's branch of the conservative Liberal Party, Michelle recently launched a new movement called "Imparables" (The Unstoppables). Analysts point out her power to attract evangelical votes within the party, suggesting that she might be making her own presidential preparations for the 2030 elections.

Michelle's past, which remains a mystery to a large part of the public, is notable for her family's criminal records. The former first lady, who states that she had a difficult childhood surrounded by poverty and drug dealers according to her own account, has a grandmother who was convicted of drug trafficking and an uncle who was charged with membership in a militia group.