A ssessment of four years of Bolsonaro’s presidency

Abstract

Before the first round of the general and presidential elections in Brazil in 2022, this article reviews the track records of Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency since his election in October 2018. It lists the successes and limits of the government in its fight against criminality, a major component of the country’s stability, and its policies for the development of infrastructure, the economy, and socio-educational measures. It also details some of the political and institutional obstacles linked to federalism, while resituating these power struggles within the framework of Brazil’s international ambitions and geopolitical positioning.