Hungary’s envoy summoned after Bolsonaro’s stay during police probe

Brazil’s foreign ministry recently called upon the Hungarian ambassador to shed light on an unusual event involving Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro found himself spending two consecutive nights at the Hungarian embassy in Brasília. This event occurred as federal police intensified their search for Bolsonaro’s associates, suspected of plotting against the Brazilian government.

In early February, shortly after the arrest of two of Bolsonaro’s aides for their alleged involvement in a coup plot, security footage revealed Bolsonaro taking refuge within the embassy’s confines. This action has sparked widespread speculation and concern regarding Bolsonaro’s intentions and his connections with Hungary’s far-right leadership.

Bolsonaro’s embassy stay has raised eyebrows, suggesting a possible attempt to bypass Brazilian justice with the aid of Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán. Both leaders share far-right ideologies, and Bolsonaro’s actions hint at leveraging this political camaraderie.

Confirming his embassy visit, Bolsonaro refrained from disclosing further details about his whereabouts during the tumultuous period. He mentioned his global network of state heads, emphasizing discussions pertinent to Brazil’s interests, dismissing further speculations as mere conjecture.

Bolsonaro’s legal representatives assert that his embassy visit was a measure to maintain diplomatic communications with a friendly nation. They categorically denied any alternative motives, labelling such claims as fictional and baseless.

The background to this saga includes Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat to leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in late 2022. Post-defeat, Bolsonaro faces multiple criminal investigations, including serious allegations of plotting a government overthrow, faking COVID-19 vaccination records, and misappropriating valuable foreign gifts.

Amidst these allegations, Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán extended a gesture of support to Bolsonaro, reinforcing the perceived political alliance. Bolsonaro’s subsequent embassy stay underlines the complexity of his situation, as he seeks refuge amidst mounting legal challenges.

This incident has provoked a mixture of criticism and mockery towards Bolsonaro, with many viewing his embassy hideout as an act of cowardice. The Hungarian ambassador’s silence during a diplomatic meeting further adds to the intrigue surrounding Bolsonaro’s actions and their implications for Brazil’s political landscape.