A supporter of Jair Bolsonaro, far-right lawmaker and presidential candidate of the Social Liberal Party (PSL), attends a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil October 21, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
Reuters: Brazil's Bolsonaro says he intends to use armed forces to fight violence
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil’s leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro said on Sunday that, if he is elected, he intends to use the armed forces for routine street patrols, describing the country as “at war.”
The far-right lawmaker and former army captain said in an interview with Band TV that he would discuss the idea with his proposed defense minister and state governments, which are responsible for public safety.
“If Congress grants permission, I would put armed forces in the streets,” Bolsonaro said.
A 63-year-old, seven-term congressman who openly defends Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship, Bolsonaro is widely expected to win the presidency this month. Opinion polls show him leading his leftist rival Fernando Haddad by 18 percentage points just a week ahead of the Oct. 28 second-round vote.
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WNU Editor: For the moment the political winds are shifting in Jair Bolsonaro's favor .... Thousands in Brazil rally in support of candidate Bolsonaro (ABC News).