Oct 28, 2018

Far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro elected president of Brazil

Jair Bolsonaro gestures after casting his vote during general elections. Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Jair Bolsonaro — a far-right candidate whose misogyny, racism and reverence for military dictators has made him one of Latin America's most polarizing figures — has won Brazil's presidency with over 55% of the vote, per the AP.

Why it matters: Many viewed Brazil's election as a referendum on crime and corruption, with each of the country's last three presidents facing impeachment votes or imprisonment due to their involvement in bribery scandals. Bolsonaro has been dubbed "The Trump of the Tropics," but a more apt comparison would perhaps be President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. Both share an authoritarian, populist style that promises tough action, simple solutions to complex problems, and a strongman’s determination to fight crime and right the economy — ignoring democratic norms if needed.

The big picture: The political situation in Brazil is a particularly extreme offshoot of a populist wave that continues to upend establishment parties all over the world.

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Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 5 a.m. ET: 5,595,091 — Total deaths: 350,752 — Total recoveries — 2,300,985 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 5 a.m. ET: 1,681,418 — Total deaths: 98,929 — Total recoveries: 384,902 — Total tested: 14,907,041 — Map.
  3. Federal response: DOJ investigates meatpacking industry over soaring beef prices — Mike Pence's press secretary returns to work.
  4. Congress: House Republicans to sue Nancy Pelosi in effort to block proxy voting.
  5. Tech: Twitter fact-checks Trump's tweets about mail-in voting for first time — Google to open offices July 6 for 10% of workers.
  6. Public health: Coronavirus antibodies could give "short-term immunity," CDC says, but more data is needed— CDC releases guidance on when you can be around others after contracting the virus.
  7. What should I do? When you can be around others after contracting the coronavirus — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

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Tear gas is fired as police clash with protesters demonstrating against the death of George Floyd outside the 3rd Precinct Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

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