Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, was officially sworn in Tuesday. During his New Year’s Day inauguration speech, the 63-year-old former army captain doubled-down on some of his most conservative campaign promises.
‘God Above Everyone’: Brazil Elects Conservative Pro-Life President After Years of Left-Wing Rule
According to Premier UK, President Bolsonaro vowed to oppose the progressive “ideology of gender” being taught in Brazilian public schools. He also promised to uphold the country’s “Judeo-Christian tradition” and “prepare children for the job market, not political militancy.”
“I call on all congressmen to help me rescue Brazil from corruption, criminality and ideological submission,” he added.
Bolsonaro won the presidential election back in October after a fierce campaign against Fernando Haddad, leader of the left-wing Workers’ Party. Though a divisive figure on many fronts, Bolsonaro is a staunch pro-life advocate and a champion of conservative policy.
Shortly after the election, Bolsonaro pledged to protect the unborn at all costs in an agreement with Brazilian Cardinal Orani Tempesta.
“We are signing a commitment defending the family, defending the innocence of children in the schools, defending the freedom of religion, against abortion and the legalization of drugs,” the president-elect said at the time, according to LifeSite News.
On a separate occasion, he assured “the money of Brazilians will not finance NGOs that promote [abortion].”
Bolsonaro is also firmly pro-Israel, vowing back in November to move the Brazilian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of President Donald Trump, who announced the landmark move in May of 2018.
The leader of the South American country has earned the respect of the U.S. president, with Trump tweeting his support of Bolsonaro after his election victory and praising his inauguration speech.
Congratulations to President @JairBolsonaro who just made a great inauguration speech – the U.S.A. is with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2019
“Congratulations to President @JairBolsonaro who just made a great inauguration speech – the U.S.A. is with you!” Trump tweeted Tuesday.
In a separate tweet, Bolsonaro, who is referred to by many as the “Trump of the Tropics,” returned the praise:
Dear Mr. President @realDonalTrump, I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Together, under God’s protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people! https://t.co/dplAFNJGdA
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) January 1, 2019
“Dear Mr. President @realDonalTrump, I truly appreciate your words of encouragement,” he replied. “Together, under God’s protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people!”