Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro Claims to Be Brazil's Leader After Election Defeat

Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro declared himself the leader of Brazil on Wednesday in a confusing series of revised statements, prompting ridicule, disbelief and disapproval in the country.

The 45-year-old senator made the declaration after fleeing to the US following his election defeat. His statements drew criticism even from within his own camp.

Online mockery follows declaration

The reaction quickly spread online, where users turned the declaration into a wave of satire. Brazilian pop star Anitta declared herself free of cellulite, while one influencer announced that he was the “true president” of Twitter. Another social media user proclaimed himself the winner of the next lottery.

The examples reflected the tone of the response to Bolsonaro’s claim, which was met with derision online and outrage in the media. His revised statements left the declaration unclear, while the response in Brazil showed disbelief and disapproval across and beyond his political camp.

Bolsonaro’s move to proclaim himself the country’s leader followed his election defeat and his departure for the US, according to the source.

Source: South China Morning Post