Whether he uses it or not the Brazilian constitution does give him leeway for military intervention:
CHAPTER II
The Armed Forces
Article 142. The Armed Forces, comprised of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force,
are permanent and regular national institutions, organized on the basis of hierarchy
and discipline, under the supreme authority of the President of the Republic, and
are intended for the defense of the Country, for the guarantee of the constitutional
powers, and, on the initiative of any of these, of law and order. (CA No. 18, 1998;
CA No. 41, 2003)
Law and order pretty broad term for military intervention although if Bolsonaro has the evidence the military could step in. Given Brazil’s history though they may tread lightly.
“... and are intended for:
- the defense of the Country
- for the guarantee of the constitutional powers
- and, on the initiative of any of these, of law and order
(CA No. 18, 1998; CA No. 41, 2003)
The last 2 seem pretty cut and dried for Bolsonaro.
He will tread lightly.
Brazil is having a \We the People\ moment.
We note that “services” (police, regional enforcement, etc.) are joining in with the Brazilian people.
When we see regional military joining in, Bolsanaro will know that the military will not hesitate to restore L&O and “guarantee the constitutional powers”.
He must not assume anything.
Brazil is still a Christian nation.
[Which is why I think that the USA, having lost Christianity, is several steps behind Brazil...Pity, that.]
I hope Bolsonaro gets the military involved or they initiate it. This is horrible.